Although it may look identical, not all blood is the same. The small, but vitally important difference can be found at the surface of the red blood cells. The presence, or absence, of A and B antigens at this level determines your blood type. The antigens help identify to whom your donated blood can be transfused and what types of blood you can receive if you ever require a blood transfusion. Differentiating blood in this way is important, because without it, careful matching to ensure safe transfusions would not be possible. This matching process is especially important for those with AB+ blood, a blood type with a very specific antigen make-up that appears less frequently in the U.S. population.
So what makes AB+ different from the other blood types? AB+ blood has both A and B antigens at the surface of the red blood cells, while other blood groups (A and B) only have one, or lack them altogether (group O). Because of this unique combination, AB+ donors’ blood can only be given to others with AB+ blood. However, AB+ is the universal recipient blood type, meaning that patients with AB+ blood can receive blood from donors of any blood type if they require a transfusion.
Antigens present in AB+ also play a vital role in plasma donations. While AB+ blood has both A and B antigens on the red blood cells, neither of the antigens are present in the plasma. This makes AB+ the universal plasma donor, meaning that AB+ plasma can be transfused into patients who have any other ABO blood type. The AB blood group is believed to be the newest blood type. The AB blood group is the result of the intermingling between Caucasian (commonly group A) and Mongolian (commonly group B) people. For these reasons, the AB blood group is found in low percentages throughout the European population, but appears more commonly within the sub-continental Indian population.
Only about 3 percent of the U.S. population is AB+, making AB+ blood donors all the more valuable. Although people with AB+ blood can receive from any blood type, it is always preferred to receive blood from a person with the same blood type. If your blood type is AB+, we hope you will consider giving life to your community by donating blood and/or plasma as often as you can. You can give whole blood donations every 56 days and plasma donations as often as every four weeks. You can even give us a call at 1-800-366-2834 to see when your donation is most needed.
If you’re not AB+, you can learn more about how your blood type helps save lives here (link to “Donate to Meet the Needs” blog post). Don’t know your blood type? You can still give blood! When you donate with Carter BloodCare, we’ll test your blood and let you know your type so you can research more about who your blood helps, what types of blood could help you, and when your blood type is needed most.
Knowing your blood type and what makes it different from the others can give you a greater understanding of the blood donation process, the blood cross-matching process, and the need for blood donations of your type in your community.
1. Which blood types can NOT safely receive A+ plasma?
2. Which blood types can NOT safely receive B+ plasma?
3. Which blood types can NOT safely receive O+ plasma?
You can explore blood type facts here: http://www.carterbloodcare.org/blood-facts/blood-types/
I’m a person who has AB+ blood type
I donate my AB+ plasma twice per week. Not sure why you are saying “only every four weeks”.
Carter BloodCare’s policy is every four weeks for plasma. http://www.carterbloodcare.org/blood-facts/types-of-donations/
Hi, my friend’s father, who is diagnosed with cancer and is under chemo, needs urgent transmission of blood – AB+ve. Please let me know if anyone has that blood group and can help…09022019.. 7780120611
Sometimes we can help you donate to a friend or family member. Please contact our Donor Notification department at (817) 412-5607 to tell them what you want to do and learn more about the requirements.
If you are a positive match, then it is possible to schedule a directed donation for a friend or family member. Please call 817-412-5308 and visit http://www.carterbloodcare.org/blood-facts/types-of-donations/ (under special donations) for more information.
I see you wrote this on my birthday which makes it a little older so I doubt “you” would still need my AB+ blood. Plus we probably don’t live anywhere near one another. I’m from PGH, PA.
Edward – Happy belated! Anytime you can give anywhere in the world, it helps us all!
Am having AB+ blood group type,you can count on me,if you need help
i can donate my ab+ blood type pls contact me.i just wanted to help.
You can call or text us at 800-366-2834 for an appointment or visit
https://ww2.greatpartners.org/donor/schedules/geo!
Message*I’m also type AB+. I want to know the best diet for me,and the type to marry.
We aren’t able to give any dietary advice … and we’re surely not qualified to give love advice. 😉
I am AB+ and would love to be of help but am in Nigeria and it’s far away. Pls how can u assist me to be of help to those in need of my blood type or plasma?
Edward – Happy belated! Anytime you can give anywhere in the world, it helps us all!
Hi I’m confused about my blood types. I have tested different places the first time was AB+ while the second one was only A. What makes it different
That’s very strange. In theory, a person’s blood type will not change.
Have you given blood with us and gotten your type?
My blood AB+ +917009705913
Any call me I am donate my blood,
And one kidney
Amit – we currently only serve North, Central, and East Texas, USA.
My blood type is AB+ how many units of A+ can I received
You’re a universal receiver, so you can receive as many units as are needed for your treatment.
I’m confused, cuz I’m B- & when I had platelet transfusions I saw on the bag B+, on all 8 of the bags within 45 days.
Platelets don’t have the same restrictions as other blood products.
Hi. I am AB+ and I would like to know more about my origin. I willing to donate bone marrow and become a donor in the event.
Shaun – we only operate in Texas, USA. Will you be over here to donate?
Shaun – we accept donations only in Texas, USA. Will you be over here to donate?
i’m ab+ but neve experience donate my blood.’coz i’m always working outside my country.so hope someday if i have time i donate also
If you’re ever in Texas, we’d love to help you schedule a donation!
Massachusetts AB+ 36YRD
I was in the army 02-07 with all the shots for anthrax/smallpox. How does this interfere with blood donations?
Hey there! Check out eligibility information or give us a call to check on that.
Eligibility: 817-412-5830 | CarterBloodCare.org/eligibility
Ive donated before with Carter.. im trying find out my blood type.. can your help
If you call 877-351-3600, they should be able to help!
I used to donate blood, AB+, but had a small melanoma removed from my lower arm about 10 years ago with no other problems. I was told then I couldn’t donate anymore. But this may have changed. I’m 73 and in good health. Can I now give blood?
Hi, Sharon — please review our eligibility information here: https://www.carterbloodcare.org/eligibility/
I’m AB+ in Ghana, how do I help?
Please give locally! We only service Texas, USA!
Im AB+ here in New Orleans,La ive started donating plasma twice a week
What an amazing effort! Thanks for saving lives over there in LA!