O negative

7% of the population

O negative blood is the universal blood type as it has neither A, B or Rh antigens. It can be used for any patient, no matter their blood type. O negative blood donors are always in high demand, as their red blood cells are very rare compared to their extensive clinical need. Another interesting fact about this type of blood is that it is the only blood type that can be given to very small babies – sometimes this blood is transfused to babies while they are still in mom’s womb. O negative donors are encouraged to donate whole blood and apheresis red blood cells.

What blood type can anybody receive?

Anybody can receive O negative , making it the universal donor. Because of this, it is important for O negative donors to give blood regularly!