Universal Blood Types

UNIVERSAL BLOOD DONOR - O NEGATIVE (O-)

Donors with type O- red blood cells are referred to as universal donors and their red blood cells can be given to any other blood type. However, O- blood types can ONLY receive O- blood. 

Only 7% of the population are O negative. However, the need for O negative blood is the highest because it is used most often during emergencies and traumas. 

UNIVERSAL BLOOD RECIPIENTS - AB POSITIVE (AB+)

Donors with type AB+ are referred to as universal recipients and can receive red blood cells from any other blood type.

Less than 4% of the U.S. population have AB positive blood.

UNIVERSAL PLASMA DONOR - AB NEGATIVE (AB-)

Donors with type AB- are universal plasma donors and can give plasma to any other blood type

Less than 1% of the U.S. population have AB negative blood, making it the least common blood type among Americans.