Blood Types
There are 8 blood types
Blood types are inherited and determine who you can give blood to and receive blood from. The type of donation that is best for you is determined by your blood type, as well as patient need.
What makes blood types different? There are four major blood groups determined by the absence or presence of specific proteins called antigens, found on the surface of red blood cells and antibodies in the plasma. You’ve probably heard of people being Rh Positive or Negative as well. In addition to the A and B antigens, there is a protein called the Rh factor, which can be either present (+) or absent (–), creating the 8 most common blood types (O+, O-, A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, AB-). Each blood type is unique and special. These types must be properly matched for a blood transfusion to work.
Don’t know your blood type? You can find out when you donate!
39% of the population
O+, AB+, A+, and B+ can receive O+ donations
Super Reds: most impactful donation
9% of the population
Universal blood type, all 8 blood types can receive O-
Used on helicopters for immediate use.
30% of the population
AB+ and A+ can receive A+ donations
Platelets: most impactful donation
6% of the population
AB+, AB-, A+, and A- can receive A- donations
Super Reds: most impactful donation
9% of the population
AB+ and B+ can receive B+ donations
Platelets: most impactful donation
2% of the population
AB+, AB-, B+, and B- can receive B- donations
Super Reds: most impactful donation
4% of the population
AB+ can receive AB+ donations
Plasma and Platelets: most impactful donation
1% of the population
AB+ and AB- can receive AB- donations
Plasma and Platelets: most impactful donation
