Can O positive donate blood to O negative?

Thirty-nine percent of the United States population has O-Positive blood, making it the most common blood type. Type O+ donors can help change the world by donating double red cells and by donating platelets (apheresis procedures). 

BLOOD TYPES

Please choose a donation type that matches up with your blood type in order to make a maximum impact in your community. If you have questions regarding why one donation type is more beneficial for your blood type, please call 1-866-256-6372.

Blood Type% of US PopulationBest Type of DonationsYou Can Give toYou Can Receive FromA+34%Platelets
PlasmaA+, AB+A+, A-, O+, O-A-6%Double Red Cells
Whole BloodA-, A+, AB-, AB+A-, O-B+9%Platelets
PlasmaB+, AB+B+, B-, O+, O-B-2%Double Red Cells
Whole BloodB-, B+, AB-, AB+B-, O-O+38%Double Red Cells
Whole BloodO+, A+, B+, AB+O+, O-O-7%Double Red Cells
Whole BloodAll Blood TypesO-AB+3%Platelets
PlasmaAB+All Blood TypesAB-1%Platelets
PlasmaAB-, AB+AB-, A-, B-, O-

Why is one type of donation better for my blood type than another? Expand

Based on patient transfusion needs and the properties of your blood type, it is true that some donation types can make a bigger impact than others.  Read below to find out why.  Please note that this information is what is generally needed by patients.  Our inventory fluctuates every day based on patient needs, and we may occasionally ask donors to change their donation type to match our current needs.

Ideal Blood Types for Double Red Cell Donation: O-, O+, A-, B- Expand

There are some blood types that are used more frequently for transfusions that others because of their compatibility with the recipient’s blood type.  Donated red cells MUST be compatible with the recipient patient’s blood type in order for the transfusion to be successful.  If you check the chart above, you will notice that each of these blood types can be received by patients with a variety of blood types.  For this reason, we request donors with the blood type of O-, O+, A- or B- donate double red cells if they are eligible or a whole blood donation to make the maximum impact for our patients.

Ideal Blood Types for Platelet Donation: A+, B+, AB+, AB- Expand

Platelets are not as type specific as red blood cells, meaning that most patients can accept platelets from donors with any blood type, regardless of the patient’s blood type.  Since platelets only last for FIVE days, they are always needed by patients.  For this reason, we request donors with the blood type of A+, B+, AB+, or AB- to donate platelets if they are eligible or whole blood donation to make the maximum impact for our patients.

Ideal Blood Types for Plasma Donation: AB+ or AB- Expand

AB is the universal blood type for plasma donations, so we ask donors with the blood type of AB+ or AB- to donate plasma if they are eligible, to make the maximum impact for our patients.

Ideal Blood Types for Whole Blood Donation: All Types! Expand

We gladly accept whole blood donations from eligible donors with any blood type.  All donated blood and blood components makes a huge difference for patients in need.  

Before the discovery of blood types in 1901, people were receiving blood transfusions regardless of blood type. These transfusions were the cause of many deaths due to the incompatibilities. We have come a long way since 1901.  Research and understanding of blood type compatibility safeguards patients today against adverse reactions.

Why O positive is not universal donor?

Is O+ is universal donor?

Can O positive people donate to O negative?

Who can donate to O negative?