The importance of properly matched blood types is critical when patients require blood. There are eight different common blood types, which are determined by the presence or absence of antigens A and B on the surface of the red blood cell.
Blood Type Compatibility
Group A – has only the A antigen on red cells (and B antibody in the plasma). Group A can donate red blood cells to A’s and AB’s
Group B – has only the B antigen on red cells (and A antibody in the plasma). Group B can donate red blood cells to B’s and AB’s.
Group AB – has both A and B antigens on red cells (but neither A nor B antibody in the plasma). Group AB can donate red blood cells to other AB’s, but can receive from all others. Group AB is the universal plasma donor.
Group O – has neither A nor B antigens on red cells (but both A and B antibody are in the plasma). Group O can donate red blood cells to anybody. It is the universal red cell donor.