Guide To Understanding The Different Blood Types

Type AB

Blood classified as type AB contains both A and B markers. 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. Thus, AB negative is the rarest blood type in America. Patients with the AB blood type are considered universal plasma donors because patients with any blood type can receive their plasma. Individuals with AB positive blood can donate their blood to patients who also have AB positive blood. They can receive blood transfusions of any blood type. Patients with AB negative blood can donate their blood to individuals who have either AB positive or AB negative blood. It is safe for them to receive AB negative, A negative, B negative, or O negative blood.

Learn about Rh factor and blood next.