You’re Somebody’s Type

Why Your Blood Type Is Important

Blood types are used to determine donor-patient compatibility. Donated blood must be compatible with the recipient's blood type for a transfusion to occur safely. Transfusing incompatible blood can result in severe complications for the patient, including death.

How Blood Type Is Determined

The ABO system classifies blood into four blood groups (A, B, AB, and O) based on the presence or absence of anti-A and/or anti-B antibodies in your plasma and antigens on your red blood cells. Whether the D antigen (from the Rh system) is present or absent on your red blood cells determines if your blood type is positive or negative. Your ABO blood group and D antigen status determine which of the eight common blood types you have. Refer to the chart to learn which red blood cell types are compatible.

 

Learn More About Your Blood Type

There is a constant need for group O red blood cells and group AB plasma. These products are universal, meaning they can be safely transfused to any recipient, even in an emergency setting without pretransfusion testing. However, all blood types are essential and used every day to save patient lives. Learn more about what blood types you can either donate to or receive from, the components of your specific blood type, and how many others share your same type below.


Percentage of U.S. Population With A- Blood by Race/Ethnicity

A-

  • Type A- can give blood products to all A and AB types and receive types A- and O-.
  • Type A- blood has type A antigens on the red blood cells, no D antigens on the red blood cells, and anti-B antibodies in the plasma.
  • 6% of the U.S. population has A- blood.


Percentage of U.S. Population With A+ Blood by Race/Ethnicity

A+

  • Type A+ can give blood products to types A+ and AB+ and receive all A and O types.
  • Type A+ blood has type A and D antigens on the red blood cells and anti-B antibodies in the plasma.
  • 34% of the U.S. population has A+ blood.


Percentage of U.S. Population With B- Blood by Race/Ethnicity

B-

  • Type B- can give blood products to all B and AB types and receive types B- and O-.
  • Type B- blood has type B antigens on the red blood cells, no D antigens on the red blood cells, and anti-A antibodies in the plasma.
  • 2% of the U.S. population has B- blood.


Percentage of U.S. Population With B+ Blood by Race/Ethnicity

B+

  • Type B+ can give blood products to types B+ and AB+ and receive all B and O types.
  • Type B+ blood has type B and D antigens on the red blood cells and anti-A antibodies in the plasma.
  • 9% of the U.S. population has B+ blood.
 


Percentage of U.S. Population With AB- Blood by Race/Ethnicity

AB-

  • Type AB- can give blood products to all AB types and receive types A-, B-, AB-, and O-.
  • Type AB- blood has both A and B antigens on the red blood cells, no D antigens on the red blood cells, and no anti-A or anti-B antibodies in the plasma.
    • Type AB plasma is universal, meaning it can be given to any recipient.
  • Only 1% of the U.S. population has AB- blood, making it the rarest blood type.


Percentage of U.S. Population With AB+ Blood by Race/Ethnicity

AB+

  • Type AB+ is the universal red cell recipient—meaning individuals with this blood type can receive red blood cells from any donor.
    • Type AB+ can only give blood products to type AB+.
  • Type AB+ blood has A, B, and D antigens on the red blood cells and no anti-A or anti-B antibodies in the plasma.
    • Type AB plasma is universal, meaning it can be given to any recipient.
  • 3% of the U.S. population has AB+ blood.


Percentage of U.S. Population With O- Blood by Race/Ethnicity

O-

  • Type O- is the most precious type for patients. Individuals with this blood type are universal red cell donors—meaning their red blood cells can be transfused to any patient in need.
    • Type O- can only receive blood products from type O-.
  • Type O- blood has no A, B, or D antigens on the red blood cells and has both anti-A and anti-B antibodies in the plasma.
  • 7% of the U.S. population has O- blood.


Percentage of U.S. Population With O+ Blood by Race/Ethnicity

O+

  • Type O+ can give blood products to types A+, B+, AB+, and O+ and receive all O types.
  • Type O+ blood has neither A nor B antigens but has D antigens on the red blood cells and has both anti-A and anti-B antibodies in the plasma.
  • 35% of the U.S. population has O+ blood, making it the most common blood type.