Blood Type Compatibility — Transfusion & Donation
Check blood type compatibility for transfusions and donations. Understand which blood types you can receive and donate to based on ABO and Rh factor.
Blood Type Guide
ABO and Rh Blood Groups
Blood type is determined by antigens on red blood cells. ABO system: Type A: A antigens on cells, anti-B antibodies in plasma. Type B: B antigens, anti-A antibodies. Type AB: both antigens, no antibodies — universal recipient for red cells. Type O: no antigens, both anti-A and anti-B — universal donor of red cells (in emergency). Rh factor: positive (+): Rh antigen present. Negative (−): no Rh antigen. Rh-negative individuals can develop anti-Rh antibodies if exposed to Rh-positive blood. Receiv
Compatibility Rules
Red blood cells compatibility rule: the donor's ABO type must not have antigens that the recipient has antibodies against. O negative is the universal donor for red cells (no antigens to cause reaction). AB positive is the universal recipient (no antibodies to react). Plasma compatibility: REVERSED from red cells. Plasma contains antibodies. Type AB plasma: no antibodies (can donate to anyone — universal plasma donor). Type O plasma: contains both anti-A and anti-B (can only give to type O). Pla
UK Blood Type Distribution
UK blood type prevalence: O positive: 35%. A positive: 30%. B positive: 8%. AB positive: 3%. O negative: 13%. A negative: 8%. B negative: 2%. AB negative: 1%. O negative (universal donor) is relatively rare at 13% of the population but is the most in-demand blood type for emergency use. NHS Blood and Transplant always needs O negative donors. AB positive is the rarest in terms of population but most flexible as a recipient. Ethnic variations: South Asian populations have higher rates of B positi
Blood Donation in the UK
NHS Blood and Transplant accepts donations from: age 17+ (first donation up to age 66). Weight 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg) minimum. Most people can donate every 12 weeks (red cells). Whole blood donation takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Total appointment 45-60 minutes including health checks. Criteria that may defer: recent tattoo or piercing (4 months). Travel to certain countries (malaria risk — up to 12 months). Certain medications. Frequency: maximum 3 times per year for women, 4 for men (iron l
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