If you’re an O-negative donor, you may feel OneBlood is always after you for blood donations, and you might be right about that.

Because you are part of a rare and very critical group of blood donors, we often call on you when supply is low.

Myth: O Negative blood is the rarest blood type

Contrary to popular belief, O- blood is not the rarest blood type. It is estimated that 7 percent of the population has O- blood type while only 1% of the population has AB- blood.

But because the red blood cells of O- blood donors can be transfused into patients with any blood type, it is often the first choice for transfusions necessary in trauma situations. Once doctors determine the patient’s blood type, they can switch to that type of blood.

But even then, O- blood is still an option. In fact, O-negative blood is often used for premature infants and babies who need blood transfusions.

In fact, O-negative blood is often used for premature infants and babies who need blood transfusions.

Importance of O Negative blood

O Negative blood can help save any and all trauma patients, premature babies, and cancer patients. But it is also the only blood type that can save O Negative recipients.

When someone with O-negative blood has an accident or undergoes surgery, they must receive an O- transfusion.

So, yes, we want your blood donation, we need it. And how you donate is equally important.

Target Your Type: O Negative

You’re probably familiar with whole blood donation. That’s the type of donation you’ll find on most bloodmobiles.

During whole blood donation, a pint of blood is taken from the donor and then later separated into its components – red blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

Some donors may qualify for double red cell donations. During a double red cell donation, your blood is separated into its components during the donation process and the platelets and plasma portion are returned to you. This process allows us to collect more red cells, which are the most critical part of an O-negative blood donation.

Find out more about Targeting Your Type as an O Negative blood donor.