Blood Types
Does everyone have the same blood?
No, there are eight different blood types: A positive, A negative, B positive, B negative, AB positive, AB negative, O positive and O negative. Your parents’ blood types determine which blood type you have.
Donations from all blood types are important. Some blood types are not compatible, and hospitals must give the correct blood type in a transfusion. Using the wrong blood type can cause serious health problems or even death. This is why we need supplies of each blood type on hand.
KBC offers a number of donation types, including whole blood, double red or platelets.
The Eight Main Blood Types
7% of the population
Universal blood type (red blood cells can be transfused to anyone)
O- patients can only receive O- blood
Often used in emergencies/traumas when patient's blood type is unknown
Key for treating babies and patients with weakened immune systems
Always in high demand
39% of the population
Most common blood type
Given to patients more than any other blood type
More than 80% of the population has a positive blood type and therefore can receive O+
O+ patients can only receive O+and O- red blood cells
6% of the population
In emergencies, doctors depend on type A and AB plasma for trauma patients and accident victims
Can donate to type A or AB regardless if they are positive or negative
A- patients can only receive A- or O-, just 13% of the population
32% of the population
Second-most common blood type
In high demand to treat cancer patients and premature babies
In emergencies, doctors depend on type A and AB plasma for trauma patients and accident victims
A+ patients can receive A, O+ and O-
2% of the population
Often transfsued in only three days after donation
Can be given to both B and AB patients
B- patients can only receive types B- and O-, only 9% of the population
11% of the population
B+ platelets are in high demand because anyone can use them (except childbearing-aged females of types O-, A-, B- and AB-)
B+ and AB+ can receive B+ red cells
Type B and O can receive B+ plasma
B+ can receive positive and negative red cells of both B and O types
1% of the population
Least common blood type
Only patients with AB+ or AB- can receive AB- red cells
Anyone can receive AB- plasma and platelets
AB plasma is especially needed for emergencies, for babies and for those with weakened immune systems
4% of the population
Considered universal recipient because AB+ patients can receive red blood cells form all blood types
AB plasma can be used for any patient
AB plasma is especially needed for emergencies, for babies and for those with weakened immune system
Rare and Uncommon Blood Types
While most people fit into the eight blood groups, not everyone fits into those main types. There are more than 35 other blood groups and more than 600 other known antigens.
Matching matters, and whether you fall into one of the main eight blood groups or have a special mix of proteins and sugars (antigens) that give you a rare blood type, KBC is committed to ensuring blood is available for every type of blood.
To learn more about rare and uncommon blood types, click below.
