AB Positive, AB Negative Blood

Why is Type AB Blood so Important

Here's Why Blood Type Matters

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S needs a transfusion of red blood cells. Every 15 seconds someone in the U.S. needs a platelet transfusion. But not just any blood will do. For a successful outcome, the donor and the patient must have compatible blood types. For more information on what blood types are compatible download the blood compatibility chart here.

Type AB Negative

Less than 1% of the U.S. population have AB negative blood, making it the least common blood type among Americans.
Patients with AB negative blood type can receive red blood cells from all negative blood types.

Type AB Positive

Less than 4% of the U.S. population have AB positive blood.
AB positive blood type is known as the “universal recipient” because AB positive patients can receive red blood cells from all blood types.

Did You Know?

About 4% of Americans are type AB.

Donors with AB can provide plasma to all blood types.

ABs inherit A from one parent, B from the other.

Why Donations Are So Important

Recent studies show that there is a need for blood transfusions every 2 seconds. The average person can only donate 1 pint of whole blood in a single donation and the shelf life is 42 days, which is why the need to keep replenishing the supply to meet demands is great. 38% of the population in the United States are eligible to donate blood, but only 3% of us actually donate.

AB Blood Type