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Submitted URL: https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-types/o-blood-type.html#:~:text=O%20negative%20is%20the%20most,only%20receive...
Effective URL: https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-types/o-blood-type.html
Submission: On August 30 via manual from US — Scanned from DE
Effective URL: https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-types/o-blood-type.html
Submission: On August 30 via manual from US — Scanned from DE
Form analysis 1 forms found in the DOM
<form id="input-form"> <input type="text" id="initial-user-input" placeholder="E.g. Schedule, eligibility requirements..." data-di-id="#initial-user-input"> <button id="submit" type="submit" class="disabled" data-di-id="#submit"></button> </form>Text Content
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Blood Types
O BLOOD TYPE
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WHY IS TYPE O BLOOD SO IMPORTANT
Here's Why Blood Type Matters
Before the discovery of blood types in 1901, people were receiving blood
transfusions regardless of blood type. These transfusions were the cause of many
deaths due to the incompatibilities. We have come a long way since 1901.
Research and understanding of blood type compatibility safeguards patients today
against adverse reactions.
LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR BLOOD TYPE COMPATIBILITY
Download Guide
Type O Negative
* O negative is the most common blood type used for transfusions when the blood
type is unknown. This is why it is used most often in cases of trauma,
emergency, surgery and any situation where blood type is unknown. O negative
is the universal blood type.
* O negative blood type can only receive O negative blood.
* O negative donors who are CMV negative are known as Heroes for Babies at the
Red Cross because it is the safest blood for transfusions for immune
deficient newborns. Learn more about how you can be a Hero for a Baby.
* Only 7% of the population have O negative blood. Due to the its versatility
for transfusions, it is in high demand. In an emergency, it is the blood
product of choice. For example, just one car accident victim can require up
to 100 units of O neg. Meeting the demand for O negative blood is always a
priority for the Red Cross.
* O negative is the first blood supply to run out during a shortage due to its
universality.
Type O Positive
* Type O positive blood is given to patients more than any other blood type,
which is why it’s considered the most needed blood type.
* 38% of the population has O positive blood, making it the most common blood
type.
* O positive red blood cells are not universally compatible to all types, but
they are compatible to any red blood cells that are positive (A+, B+, O+,
AB+).
* Over 80% of the population has a positive blood type and can receive O
positive blood. That’s another reason it’s in such high demand.
* O positive donors who are CMV negative are known as Heroes for Babies at the
Red Cross because it is the safest blood for transfusions for immune
deficient newborns. Learn more about how you can be a Hero for a Baby.
* In major traumas with massive blood loss, many hospitals transfuse O positive
blood, even when the patient’s blood type is unknown. The risk of reaction is
much lower in ongoing blood loss situations and O positive is more available
than O negative. Type O positive blood is critical in trauma care.
* Those with O positive blood can only receive transfusions from O positive or
O negative blood types.
* Type O positive blood is one of the first to run out during a shortage due to
its high demand.
DID YOU KNOW?
ABOUT 43% OF AMERICANS ARE TYPE O.
HEART DISEASE IS LOWER WITH TYPE O.
TYPE O CAN DONATE RED BLOOD CELLS.
WHY DONATIONS ARE SO IMPORTANT
Latest studies have shown that someone in the US needs a blood transfusion every
2 seconds each day in the United States. The average person can only donate 1
pint of whole blood in a single donation and the shelf life is 42 days, which is
why the need to keep replenishing the supply to meet demand is great.
schedule your donation
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