Guide To Understanding The Different Blood Types

Type AB

Blood classified as type AB contains both A and B markers, and no A or B antibodies are found in type AB plasma. Three percent of Americans have type AB positive blood, and just one percent of the population has AB negative blood, making it the rarest blood type in America. Patients with the AB blood type are considered universal plasma donors, as their plasma can be received by patients with any blood type. Individuals with AB positive blood can donate their blood to patients who also have AB positive blood, and they can receive blood transfusions of any type of blood. Patients with AB negative blood can donate their blood to individuals who have either AB positive or AB negative blood, and it is safe for them to receive blood from those who have AB negative, A negative, B negative, or O negative blood.

Learn about Rh factor and blood next.