What is O-negative blood and why is it so important? (2024)

FAQs

What is O-negative blood and why is it so important? ›

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 donors are often called 'universal donors' because anyone can receive the red blood cells from their donations. Although about 8% of the population has O negative blood, it accounts for around 13% of hospital requests for red blood cells.

Individuals of the O-negative blood group suffer from inflammation from foods such as dairy products and wheat. This causes an imbalance in the person's immune system and is responsible for weight gain. Overactive immunity increases the risk of thyroid disease in type O-negative blood.

Of the eight main blood types, people with Type O have the lowest risk for heart attacks and blood clots in the legs and lungs. This may be because people with other blood types have higher levels of certain clotting factors, which are proteins that cause blood to coagulate (solidify).

Why is A negative blood important? A negative red blood cells can be used to treat around 40% of the population. However, A negative platelets are particularly important because they can be given to people from all blood groups. That's why A negative platelets are called the 'universal platelet type'.

Universal Recipient Blood Type

Blood donors with type AB+ (AB positive) are referred to as universal recipients and can receive red blood cells from any other blood type.

Blood type O: People with O blood type are often considered outgoing, optimistic, and daring. They are seen as natural leaders with high standards for themselves. While they are generally confident and resilient, they can easily be perceived as jealous, insensitive, or arrogant.

In 2014, a study conducted in Jordan found significant associa- tion between blood group and intelligence with the highest IQ levels reported among individuals with 'AB' blood type [13].

Chances are higher you'll live longer if you have type O blood. Experts think your lowered risk of disease in your heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular disease) may be one reason for this.

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.

What makes O blood unique? ›

Unlike the other key blood types, O negative is missing all highly reactive antigens – that's why it's called 'O negative'. The letter 'O' indicates an absence of A and B antigens, while 'negative' indicates the absence of the Rh factor (RhD). Without these, there's nothing to alert the recipient's immune system.

Bloomberg Several studies have now shown that people with blood type O are less susceptible to contracting Covid, and those with blood type A are more likely to get it. In the early days of the pandemic, those findings were hotly debated.

Why? O negative blood can be used in transfusions for any blood type. Type O is routinely in short supply and in high demand by hospitals – both because it is the most common blood type and because type O negative blood is the universal blood type needed for emergency transfusions and for immune deficient infants.

Each person has two Rh factors in their genetics, one from each parent. The only way for someone to have a negative blood type is for both parents to have at least one negative factor. For example, if someone's Rh factors are both positive, it is not possible for his or her child to have a negative blood type.

Only 7% of the population are O negative. However, the need for O negative blood is the highest because it is used most often during emergencies. The need for O+ is high because it is the most frequently occurring blood type (37% of the population). The universal red cell donor has Type O negative blood.

Diets for Group O Blood Type

Eat lots of meat. Your digestive system can handle red meat well. Eat seafood on a regular basis to help your thyroid. Keep the levels of dairy products (milk and cheese) and eggs in the moderate level to prevent lipids and cholesterol build up.

Usually, you'll have the same blood type all of your life. In rare cases, however, blood types can change. The change usually relates to unique circ*mstances, such as having a bone marrow transplant or getting certain types of leukemia or infections. Not all of these changes in blood type are permanent.

If the mother is Rh-negative, her immune system treats Rh-positive fetal cells as if they were a foreign substance. The mother's body makes antibodies against the fetal blood cells. These antibodies may cross back through the placenta into the developing baby. They destroy the baby's circulating red blood cells.