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Blood Types: What Do They Mean?

Facts About B- Blood

When it comes to primary blood types, it doesn't get much rarer than B negative. And that's exactly why it's so important.

B negative blood type superhero

A mere 2% of the U.S. population has B negative blood, making it an invaluable resource for our hospitals and local communities. Known for its compatibility with B and AB negative blood types, B negative blood plays a critical role in saving lives during emergencies and supporting patients with specific medical needs.

Whether you are a seasoned donor or are considering donating for the first time, this guide to B negative blood will provide essential information about the importance of this exceedingly rare blood type.

Our Recommendation for B- Donors

Because there are so few people with a B negative blood type, it's highly important for those who are B negative to give when they are able. Specifically, we encourage our type B- donors to give whole blood, which can be performed every 56 days.

There is one more incredible way for our B negative donors to help, though! By becoming a Power Red donor, our B negative donors are able to double the amount of red cells they're able to safely donate. Want to know about Power Red donations? Visit our Power Red resource page by clicking the button below.

Schedule Your Donation Today Power Up with Power Red

Key Facts About B- Blood

  • B- Blood Type: How Rare Is It?

    B negative is one of the rarest blood types, present in only about 1 in 50 people in the U.S. In fact, of the primary blood types, only AB negative is less common.

    Only 12% of donors in the U.S. are thought to be either B positive or B negative. Black Americans and Asian-Americans represent a large portion of that group, with nearly 20% of Black Americans and 25% of Asian-Americans having B positive or B negative blood.

  • Who Can B- Donors Donate to?

    People with a B negative blood type can donate red blood cells to patients with B positive, B negative, AB positive or AB negative blood.

    We do recommend that our B negative donors give whole blood, but if you're one of the rare B negative donors out there, know that your platelets and plasma can also save lives!

    Your platelets and plasma can both be received by patients with B positive, B negative, O positive and O negative blood types.

  • What Type of Blood Can B- Patients Receive?

    B negative patients can only receive blood transfusions from people with their blood type or O negative blood — another rare blood type that can be transfused universally.

B- Under the Microscope

  • Rh Factor: The "negative" in B negative signifies the absence of the Rh factor, a protein on red blood cells, which limits compatibility with Rh-positive blood.

  • Genetics: B negative blood is inherited when at least one parent passes on the B allele and both contribute the Rh-negative factor.

RELATED: Do Siblings Have the Same Blood Type?