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Transfusions are needed by 5 million Americans each year¹. This includes people who have just experienced emergency situations, are undergoing surgery, have cancer or are managing chronic conditions. Whatever the reason, a person in the U.S. needs blood every 2 seconds¹.

Blood cannot be artificially replicated — there is no substitute for it. Blood donated by volunteers is used. So, the need is continuous, and you have the power to save someone’s life in many scenarios. Really, it’s in your blood. One whole blood donation can impact up to three lives¹.

But what blood type is needed? All types, continuously! When a person needs a blood transfusion, the best blood type to receive is identical to their own. However, if a person’s blood type isn’t known, like in an emergency, a universal donor donation can be used to treat anyone in need of a transfusion, regardless of their type.

Universal donors play a vital role in helping to save lives. But when we talk about universal donors, we must consider the different types. Depending on if a person needs a whole blood transfusion or plasma, the universal blood type is different. Let’s break it down.

What is a universal donor?

Red blood cell and whole blood units

Type O blood is considered the universal red blood cell type, meaning it is compatible with people with all major blood types in need of a transfusion. People with O-negative blood are compatible with all major blood types and protect mothers and unborn babies.

About 45% of people in the U.S. have type O blood. But only about 7% of people in the U.S. have type O-negative blood². Because of its versatility in transfusions, it’s in high demand, so the more blood donations from universal blood donors, the better.

Plasma and platelet units

Conversely, for those in need of plasma transfusions, type AB donors are considered the universal plasma donor, meaning AB plasma is compatible with all major blood type plasma transfusion recipients. Plus: Because platelets units contain plasma, this compatibility extends to platelet units as well.

Fun fact: Less than 4% of people in the U.S. are AB blood type making it the rarest blood type³.

Here's why it matters – and how you can help.

Universal blood donors can help save just about everyone. Universal donor donations are especially important early in emergencies when a patient’s blood type is not known. In particular, type O donors can donate a unique whole blood unit, which has everything a bleeding trauma patient needs — the plasma, platelets and red blood cells — to replace the blood they are losing.

But what exactly about ”Type O”, “O-negative” and “AB plasma” makes it universal? Let’s break down what the letters and what being positive or negative all mean.

The different blood types

There are eight common blood types. Each type is determined by what antigens (A or B) your blood has and whether it has the protein antigen dubbed the Rh factor. These antigens allow the body to recognize something that should not be there and develop a defense against it called antibodies.

If you were to receive a different, incompatible red cell type from your own, your body’s antibodies would attack those cells making you very sick. If you were to receive a plasma or platelet unit not compatible with your red cells, then antibodies in that plasma would attack your red cells making you very sick. That's why matching blood types are critical for all transfusions.

But the good news is that the universal types can be given to nearly everyone, so when there’s a shortage of your specific blood type or a patient who just experienced an emergency’s blood type isn’t known, it comes in very handy.

Here are the different blood types with their antibodies:

• Type A blood has the A antigen and Anti-B antibodies
• Type B blood has the B antigen and Anti-A antibodies
• Type AB blood has both A and B antigens and no antibodies
• Type O blood has no antigens and Anti-A plus Anti-B antibodies

Fun fact: If you have an antigen, you won’t make that antibody; But your body will make an antibody to the antigen you don’t have.

Now, whether your blood type is positive or negative depends on if you have the Rh factor, a protein antigen on your red blood cells that determines if your body will make an antibody. This antibody can cross the placenta into babies’ blood and harm them.

• In particular, women with Rh-negative blood types receive Rh-negative blood to prevent them from making antibodies.
• People with Rh-positive blood can receive either Rh-positive or Rh-negative blood.

Quiz time: Did you know you can be a universal red cell recipient? People with AB blood have both A and B antigens, meaning their body does not have antibodies to attack red cells and will not reject the transfusion. They can receive any red blood cell type.

Donate today

Curious to know your blood type? When you donate blood, you can find out.

Better yet: Join the “We Give Blood” drive competition and help your Big Ten university win the drive to save lives. We've partnered with the Big Ten conference to help drive blood donations and tackle the shortage.

Regardless of your blood type, blood donations are needed. If you’re eligible, sign up today to donate at

References

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