Understanding blood type compatibility is crucial for safe blood transfusions. Learn which blood types can safely donate to and receive from each other.
Select blood types to check donation compatibility
Click on any blood type to see compatibility details
Can donate to all blood types
Can donate red cells to all positive blood types
Can donate to all A and AB types
Second most common blood type
One of the rarest blood types
Less common but valuable for transfusions
Rarest blood type, universal plasma donor
Can receive from all blood types
Important exceptions and special considerations
In life-threatening emergencies when blood typing is not possible, O- blood (universal donor) can be given to anyone.
Rh-negative mothers carrying Rh-positive babies need special monitoring and RhoGAM injections.
Plasma compatibility is opposite to red blood cell compatibility. AB+ is the universal plasma donor.
Platelets are generally given to recipients of the same ABO group, but cross-matching is less critical.
The Rh factor is a protein found on red blood cells. People are either Rh-positive (have the protein) or Rh-negative (don't have the protein).
Can receive Rh+ or Rh- blood of the same ABO group
Can only receive Rh- blood of compatible ABO groups
About 85% of people are Rh-positive. Rh-negative individuals should only receive Rh-negative blood to prevent antibody formation.
Has Rh protein
No Rh protein
Complete compatibility chart for all blood types
| Blood Type | Can Donate To | Can Receive From | Population % | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O- | O- O+ A- A+ B- B+ AB- AB+ | O- | 6.6% | Rare |
| O+ | O+ A+ B+ AB+ | O- O+ | 37.4% | Most Common |
| A- | A- A+ AB- AB+ | O- A- | 6.3% | Rare |
| A+ | A+ AB+ | O- O+ A- A+ | 35.7% | Common |
| B- | B- B+ AB- AB+ | O- B- | 1.5% | Very Rare |
| B+ | B+ AB+ | O- O+ B- B+ | 8.5% | Less Common |
| AB- | AB- AB+ | O- A- B- AB- | 0.6% | Extremely Rare |
| AB+ | AB+ | O- O+ A- A+ B- B+ AB- AB+ | 3.4% | Rare |
Now that you understand blood compatibility, join our network of life-saving donors. Every blood type is needed and valuable.