What is the universal blood donor type?
O negative is the universal blood donor type for red blood cells, because it lacks A, B and RhD antigens. In emergencies, it can be given to patients of any blood type.
Red blood cells of type O negative carry no A or B antigens and no RhD protein, so most people's immune systems will not attack them. That is why hospitals use O negative blood when there is no time to test a patient's type, such as after car accidents or in emergency surgery. Only about 7 percent of people in the US have this type.
Type AB positive is known as the universal recipient. People with this type can receive red blood cells of any ABO and Rh type, because their blood already has A, B and RhD antigens and will not react to them.
Plasma is the opposite
For plasma, the liquid part of blood, the roles are reversed. AB plasma contains no anti-A or anti-B antibodies, so AB is the universal plasma donor. Type O people, on the other hand, can only receive plasma from other type O donors.
Did You Know?
Because O negative blood is used so often in emergencies, blood banks frequently ask O negative donors to give blood regularly.
This answer is general information, not medical advice. For a personal health question, talk to a doctor.