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Learn how blood types are determined by antigens and inherited from parents, and how they affect transfusions and donations. Find out your blood type and schedule an appointment to donate blood.
- O+, O
O negative is the most common blood type used for...
- B+, B
Here's Why Blood Type Matters Millions of people – including...
- Ab+, Ab
Less than 4% of the U.S. population have AB positive blood....
- Type a Blood
The importance of knowing your blood type is to prevent the...
- Rare Blood Types
You are a rare blood donor. Your blood type is present in...
- How Blood Donations Help
Ideal Donation Type. Whole blood or Power Red, especially...
- Blood Components
Whole blood contains red cells, white cells, and platelets...
- Account Login
Account Benefits: Create an account to easily schedule...
- Eligibility Requirements
The American Red Cross strives to ensure the safety of blood...
- O+, O
- Overview
- Additional Details
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All blood does the same thing, but not all blood is the same. Blood types classify blood so healthcare providers can determine whether one person’s blood is compatible with another’s. Blood transfusions and organ transplants depend on donors and recipients having compatible blood types. Blood types include A, B, AB and O.
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How does blood type affect pregnancy?
A fetus may inherit its Rh factor (either positive or negative) from either parent. There may be problems if you’re Rh negative and carrying a fetus with blood that’s Rh positive. During your first visit to your obstetrician, you’ll take a blood test to determine your blood type and screen for antibodies. If your body reacts to Rh-positive red blood cells, your anti-Rh antibodies can begin to attack the fetus’s red blood cells. To prevent this from happening, you’ll receive Rh immunoglobulin (RhIg). RhIg is a medicine that blocks antibodies from attacking the fetus’s blood.
Can your blood type change?
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 circumstances, 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. A note from Cleveland Clinic It’s useful to know your blood type. If you’re ever in a position where you need a blood transfusion, determining your blood type will be an essential first step. Knowing which blood types are compatible with yours allows your provider to keep you safe should you ever need blood. The good news is that you don’t need to understand all the microscopic cell markers that come into play to safely donate or receive blood. The blood collection centers of the American Red Cross and local hospital blood bank specialists have controls and safeguards in place to ensure the safety of the blood donation process. Care at Cleveland Clinic Find a Primary Care Provider Schedule an Appointment Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 03/14/2023. Learn more about our editorial process.
Learn about the four main blood types (A, B, AB and O) and how they are determined by antigens and proteins. Find out which blood types are compatible for transfusions and transplants, and which are rare or universal.
A blood type (also known as a blood group) is a classification of blood, based on the presence and absence of antibodies and inherited antigenic substances on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). These antigens may be proteins, carbohydrates, glycoproteins, or glycolipids, depending on the blood group system.
Sep 15, 2023 · The ABO system has four major blood types: A, B, AB, and O. Blood types are further categorized by the presence (positive or +) or absence (negative or -) of the Rh(D) antigen on the surface of their red blood cells, also known as the Rh factor. This produces the eight major blood types.
- Nancy Lebrun
Mar 5, 2023 · Every person has a specific blood type. Learn what determines your blood type and why it’s important to know what it is.
Jan 16, 2024 · Learn how blood types are determined by antigens and antibodies, and how they affect blood transfusions, pregnancy, and health. Find out the most common and rare blood types, and the risks and benefits of donating blood or plasma.
Feb 7, 2023 · Learn about the different blood types and how to determine yours by testing or donating blood. Find out if you can use saliva or other body fluids to test for blood type.
