The universal blood type for red blood cell transfusions is O negative (O-). People with O- blood are known as universal donors because their blood can be given to patients of any blood type without causing an immune reaction. This is because O- blood lacks A, B, and Rh antigens on the surface of the red blood cells, so it does not provoke an immune response in recipients of any blood type. However, individuals with O- blood can only receive blood from other O- donors. Due to its critical importance in emergencies and for patients of all blood types, O- blood is in high demand but relatively rare, constituting about 7% of the population. In contrast, the universal recipient blood type is AB positive (AB+), as people with this type can receive red blood cells from any other blood type. Moreover, for plasma transfusions, the universal plasma donor blood type is AB, because AB plasma can be given to any other blood type recipient.
Key points about universal blood types:
- Universal red cell donor: O negative (O-) blood
- Universal red cell recipient: AB positive (AB+) blood
- Universal plasma donor: AB blood
This makes O- blood vital for emergency transfusions when the recipient's blood type is not immediately known, and it also explains the ongoing need for O- blood donors.
