Blood type is one of the most referenced part of blood donation, but do you know what it means? Your blood type is determined by which antigens are present in your blood. Antigens and the blood type they give us show us which blood is the best fit for the patient and will be best tolerated after transfusion
The letter in your blood type – A, B or O – is decided by the ABO antigen. Blood from O donors can be given to any other blood type, while A, B or AB donors’ blood can only be given to those who share that type.
The positive or negative after your blood type is determined by the Rh antigen. Blood from negative-type donors can be given to anyone sharing their ABO type, making O-negative donors the universal donor whose blood can safely be given to anyone.
Use the chart below to see who your blood can be given to.
Your blood contains hundreds of other antigens, the combination of which can make some people’s blood quite unique. Our laboratories work every day to help match blood from our donors to the unique and specialized needs of patients across the nation.