Blood Types

All blood donors are important, but if you are type O or AB, you are special because type O negative red blood cells and type AB plasma can be transfused to any patient. Your donations are VITAL - please donate as often as you can, every 56 days for red blood cells and every 28 days for plasma.

Having blood immediately available when it is needed may help save many lives.

You Can Receive This Type of Red Blood Cells

If you are this blood type.   O- O+ B- B+ A- A+ AB- AB+
AB+ X X X X X X X X
AB- X * X * X * X *
A+ X X     X X    
A- X *     X *    
B+ X X X X        
B- X * X *        
O+ X X            
O- X *            
X Routine Transfusion Compatibiltiy
* Although compatible, use only in emergencies.

You Can Receive This Type of Plasma

If you are this blood type.   O- O+ B- B+ A- A+ AB- AB+
AB+             X X
AB-             X X
A+         X X X X
A-         X X X X
B+     X X     X X
B-     X X     X X
O+ X X X X X X X X
O- X X X X X X X X
X Routine Transfusion Compatibiltiy

Facts About Blood and Your Blood Donation

  • The average adult has 10 to 12 pints of blood in their body;
  • Your one donation can save up to 3 lives!
  • No valid substitute for blood so when you need it the only place to get it is from other human beings;
  • Medical research show African Americans have some rare blood traits found in their blood;
  • Any day, these facts could mean the difference between life and death;
  • Every 3 sec, someone needs a blood transfusion, that's 16 people every minute, 960 every hour; 23,040 every day, or 8,409,600 every year;
  • You cannot get AIDS or any other disease by giving blood;
  • You can give whole blood every 56 days, single platelets every 48 hours, or a single plasma donation every 28 days.
Blood Type and RH % of Population
O Positive 38% *
O Negative 7% *
A Positive 34%
A Negative 6%
B Positive 9%
B Negative 2%
AB Positive 3% **
AB Negative 1% **

*  In an emergency, anyone can receive type O red blood cells.  People with type O blood are known as “universal donors”.

** Type AB individuals can receive red blood cells of any ABO type.  Those with type AB blood are known as “universal recipients.”  In addition, AB plasma donors can give to all blood types.

Does Your Blood Type Reveal Your Personality?
According to a Japanese institute that does research on blood types, there are certain personality traits that seem to match up with certain blood types. How do you rate?

Type 0 You want to be a leader, and when you see something you want, you keep striving until you achieve your goal. You are a trend-setter, loyal, passionate, and self-confident. Your weaknesses include vanity and jealously and a tendency to be too competitive.
Type A You like harmony, peace and organization. You work well with others, and are sensitive, patient and affectionate. Among your weaknesses are stubbornness and an inability to relax.
Type B You're a rugged individualist, who's straight forward and like to do things your own way. Creative and flexible, you adapt easily to any situation. But your insistence on being independent can sometimes go too far and become a weakness.
Type AB Cool and controlled, you're generally well liked and always put people at ease. You're a natural entertainer who's tactful and fair. But you're standoffish, blunt, and have difficulty making decisions.
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