What Is the Most Common Blood Type? (2024)

There are eight different blood types and each one holds a unique power to save lives.

But themost common blood type is O+,accounting for more than a third of all people (37%). This means there is ahigher demand for this blood type when it comes to blood transfusions.

Why are there different blood types?

There is evidence that the different blood types have evolved over millions of years, with type A being the most ancient.

The difference between the various blood types comes down to sugars that cover the surface of red blood cells. These sugars can be misinterpreted as foreign invaders by the body’s immune system when they don’t match up correctly, making amismatched blood transfusionpotentially deadly.

For this reason, it isextremely important to find a compatible blood match for transfusion patients. With O+ being the most common blood type, having an available blood supply is critical.

What is the best donation procedure for those with O+ blood?

Those with O+ blood type (who meet certain criteria) are encouraged to chooseDouble Red Cell Donation.This kind of procedure takes twice as many red blood cells from the donor while leaving the platelets and plasma behind.

It’s an efficient way for O+ donors to get more bang for their donation buck by helping tosave even more lives!

Those who are unable to meet the height/weight requirements for Double Red Cell Donation may still completea traditional Whole Blood Donation. This procedure utilizes red blood cells, platelets, and plasma, and one donation can help save up to three lives!

Discover how you can best help those in your community bytargeting your blood typeand learning which donation method is best for you!