Why is AB+ so rare?

Question

This is my blood type and I've been told that it's rare (if you knew me, that would not surprise you in the least, lol, I'm left handed and have that red hair only 2% of the world has). So this is my question. I donate blood to the blood bank when I can. Who can accept AB+? And what blood can I accept?

Answer 1

It all has to do with what the A,B and O letters represent. These are different chemicals on the surface of the red blood cell called an antigen. When the body sees one it does not recognise it attacks it and causes the blood to coagulate. This is why B cannot give to A since a body that has the A antigen will start to attack the cells with B and vice versa. O blood type is a special case because it has no antigens, therefore it can only receive O (the body will attack both A and B antigen if present), but because it has nothing, it can be given to everybody (receiving bodies have no antigens to attack). As for AB, the only people that can receive it are those who are AB but because your body recognises both antigens you can receive all 4 blood types. You are what is called the universal receiver while O's are what is know as universal donors since they can give to anyone.

So while your blood type is rare, you can only give it to others like you. But this is good since if there is AB blood available, AB patients who need blood do not need to be given other blood types that can also go to other patients. It does not matter what type you are, it’s always good to give and that’s great of you.

Plus here is something you might find interesting. The AB type is rare in North America and I think possible in Europe too, but in some places, like Africa, it is one of the more, if not the most, common blood types.

I hope this helped clear up the whole blood type issue for you.

Answer 2

I am so glad you decided to donate! I work with blood and set it up for people that need it and I truely understand the need for donations. The only people that can accept AB + red cells are AB+ patients. Being an AB+, you can accept AB+ or = and O+ or =. (O neg being universal donor). But if need be, you can also recieve A or B. But the cool thing about your blood type is that when you donate, not only do you donate red blood cells but also plasma and/or platelets. And if someone needs plasma or platelets, any blood type can recieve AB! So, when you donate, you really can save alot of people!

Answer 3

Well, that's so nice of you to donate blood. The fact that AB+ is rare means it is not easy to find if someone needs it. I am AB+ too and had an emergency surgery once which I had severe loss of blood. It was really a hard time finding to find a compatible blood to keep me going- thanks GOD,they did find and I am so grateful for having my life saved.

Who can accept AB+? As you know, AB+ has been tagged as the universal recipient, thus you can possibly accept any type of blood but risk of getting reaction from other types is foreseeable anytime.So to say,getting the same type of blood as yours would be the best option but if not available other blood types can be given after crossmatching and of course with due precaution during transfusion. Type O blood would come next as the 2nd preference of what you can receive. Generally, you can only donate your blood to those AB+ also. However you can donate your plasma (type AB) to individuals of any blood group.