If you should ever make the mistake of getting a blood transfusion (a risky procedure that has all but been replaced with safer, cheaper, more reliable means such as hetastarch, dextrose, ringer's solution, and any number of non-blood volume expanders) then you will need to know the blood type you are. There are but a few, and some are compatible with others while some are not:

Type O: known as the universal blood for giving, but not for taking. If you are type O you can be transfused to any other blood type, but if you are in need then you can only receive type O. This is a good news bad news scenario as the type O is usually in the shortest supply as it can be used on anyone, so while you may be giving to anyone, no one else except another type O can help you out.

Type A: As stated, you can receive blood from type O sources, but ideally you would want another source of type A blood.

Type B: same as A, you can receive O, and B, and that is all. Conversely you can only be of use to people with type B blood.

Type AB: you are the converse of O you can receive blood from any source, A, B, AB, or O but you are only good for other AB candidates.

Again, this information is pretty useless until you think you want a transfusion. Take it from those with experience, go the synthetic route and avoid rejection, hepatitis, other infections, and God knows what else that hasn't been properly screened!

Learn more about this author, M.L. Brooke.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Explaining different blood types?
We want to hear your view. Write now!