O NEGATIVE
The “universal red cell donor,” the O- blood type occurs in 1 of every 15 people
and is the only blood type that is able to give red cells to all other blood types.
O- is the highest in-demand blood type
Donors are encouraged to give red cell and whole blood donations
Givers not takers
Those with O- can only receive from other O- donors.
The Universal Donor
O- blood type is the universal red blood cell donor because their red blood cells can be transfused into any patient, regardless of blood type. O- red cells must be used for trauma situations and other emergencies when the patient’s blood type is not known. O- red cells are also frequently used for babies and sickle cell anemia patients.
Always in demand
O- makes up only 6.6% of the population, found in just 1 of every 15 people.