AB+
High Demand (Plasma)
Universal Recipient
AB Positive Blood Type: Universal Recipient Donation Guide
Universal recipient AND universal plasma donor.
3%
of Oklahomans have AB+ blood
Your blood is in high demand at Oklahoma donor centers.
Quick Facts
Prevalence in Oklahoma
~3% of population
Red cells can donate to
AB+ only
Plasma can donate to
ALL 8 blood types (universal plasma donor)
Can receive from
All 8 blood types (universal recipient)
Best donation type
Plasma or platelets
AB positive (AB+) is unique in two ways: AB+ individuals are universal recipients for red blood cells (they can receive from any blood type) AND AB+ is the universal plasma donor (AB+ plasma can be given to any patient regardless of blood type). With only about 3% of Oklahomans having AB+, this dual distinction makes AB+ plasma donations especially critical.
Because AB+ red blood cells can only be given to AB+ patients (who are rare), whole blood donation from AB+ donors has limited reach. However, AB+ plasma — the liquid component of blood — can be transfused to any patient in any blood type emergency. This is why Oklahoma Blood Institute specifically recruits AB+ donors for plasma donations.
AB+ donors are encouraged to donate plasma as their primary contribution. Plasma is used in emergency trauma care, to treat immune deficiencies, and to produce life-saving medications. AB+ plasma means a single AB+ donor can help any patient in the hospital — the ultimate in donation reach. AB+ plasma donors can give up to twice per week.
Compatibility Chart for AB+
| Blood Type | AB+ Can Donate To | AB+ Can Receive From |
|---|---|---|
| O- | — | ✓ |
| O+ | — | ✓ |
| A- | — | ✓ |
| A+ | — | ✓ |
| B- | — | ✓ |
| B+ | — | ✓ |
| AB- | — | ✓ |
| AB+ | ✓ | ✓ |
Common Myths About AB+ Blood
Myth: "AB+ donors can't give to many people, so it's less important to donate."
Fact: AB+ plasma is the only truly universal plasma type. AB+ plasma donors can help patients of any blood type, making their plasma uniquely valuable in emergencies.
Myth: "Being a universal recipient means you shouldn't bother donating."
Fact: What you can receive doesn't affect what you can give. AB+ plasma donors make a massive positive impact regardless of how many types could help them.
Your AB+ plasma can help any patient — the most versatile donation in the blood supply.