Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
Pop quiz: Do you know the universal blood type? If you answered O negative, then you’re correct! In an emergency where a patient’s blood type is unknown, type O negative blood is the only blood type that is safe to use because it is compatible with all blood types.
If your blood type is O negative, this means that your blood could save the life of a cancer patient, a frightened child undergoing critical surgery or someone involved in a traumatic car accident, regardless of their blood type. In situations where time is of the essence or when blood donations are running low, your blood possesses the power to be given to any patient in need.
Despite its high demand, only 7% of the population have type O negative blood. This means that the demand for type O negative blood often outpaces the incoming supply. Type O negative donors are consistently needed to help meet hospital needs.
Type O negative blood has no antigens (and is the only blood type to have none), so it won't trigger an immune response, even if the recipient has a different blood type. Antigens are surface proteins found on red blood cells. Blood type A has an A antigen, while blood type B has a B antigen. Blood type AB has both A and B antigens. Blood type O has neither.
Additionally, blood is classified based on the presence of the Rh factor. Blood types with the Rh factor are considered Rh positive, and those without it are considered Rh negative. When we account for A and B antigens as well as the Rh factor, we get the eight most common blood types: A+, A-, B+, B-, O+, O-, AB+ and AB-.
Our immune system protects us from invaders like bacteria and viruses. It can recognize the antigens present in our own blood type but may go into defense mode if it detects antigens from a different blood type. If mismatched blood is given during a transfusion, the body may fight back, potentially endangering the life of the patient.
It’s also important to know that, unlike the other blood types, patients with type O negative blood can only receive their same blood type. This also increases the need for O negative blood donors; having an ample supply helps ensure that there’s enough blood for all types, including patients with O negative blood.
While O negative blood is extremely important for hospitals and patients, so is O positive blood. Type O positive blood is given to patients more than any other blood type, which is why it’s considered the most needed blood type. Approximately 38% of the population has O positive blood, making it the most common blood type, too.
And, while O positive red blood cells are not universally compatible to all types, they are compatible to any red blood cells that are positive (A+, B+, O+, AB+). Over 80% of the population has a positive blood type, which means they can receive O positive blood. Plus, those with O positive blood can only receive transfusions from O positive or O negative blood types, increasing the high demand.
Knowing your blood type is step one. If your blood type is O negative or O positive , the American Red Cross encourages you to come in to donate. There continues to be an EMERGENCY NEED for these blood types, and you can make a huge difference in your community and beyond. Schedule your donation appointment now!