Blood types

The main red blood cell groups are A, B, AB, and O. The letters stand for two antigens (chemical substances that can be targeted by one's immune system) labeled A and B.

• Group A blood has only the A antigen
• Group B has the only the B antigen
• Group AB has both
• Group O has neither

You can't donate red blood cells to anyone and you can't receive blood from anyone — blood groups need to be matched.

Blood types statistics

• Almost 40% of the population has O+ blood
• Patients with Type O blood must receive Type O blood
• Type O blood is the universal blood type and is the only blood type that can be transfused to patients with other blood types
• Only about 7% of all people have Type O negative blood
• Type O negative blood is the preferred type for accident victims and babies needing exchange transfusions
• There is always a need for Type O donors because their blood may be transfused to a person of any blood type in an emergency

If your blood type is...

Mama wants to help

Resources for free food Daily affirmations for a better life Domestic violence hotline Free and low rent housing Adult daycare Holiday resources Share your story. We will listen.