O-Positive Blood Type Facts

You probably hear a lot about the need for blood, especially type O. So you may be asking yourself, is type O blood rare? Actually, more people have it than any other blood type. But while O-positive is the most common in the U.S., it quietly plays a heroic role in hospitals and trauma centers every day. Whether you’re O-positive or have a friend or relative with that blood type, know that it’s in high demand and constantly saving lives — making it uniquely powerful when it comes to patient care. 

Here are a few O-positive blood type facts: 

• Approximately 37% of the U.S. population has O-positive blood. 

• It can be given to patients with any positive blood type (O+, A+, B+, AB+), about 86% of the population. 

• Patients with this blood type can only receive blood from O-positive and O-negative donors. 

This special blood type is used daily to treat a range of patients during any number of dire medical scenarios, from accident victims experiencing severe trauma to those undergoing open-heart surgery. Mothers, too, often need your help during childbirth, when complications can arise. And people with chronic blood conditions may require frequent transfusions over the course of their lives. 

What’s more, O-positive donors are great candidates for Power Red donations. This special type of donation collects two units of red cells — the blood component patients most often need — while returning your plasma and platelets to you, along with hydrating saline. Though each donation takes a bit longer to make, you are doubling your impact for patients compared to a whole blood donation. Power Reds are especially helpful during summer months, when donations tend to drop because fewer people are available to help. 
 

What if You Don’t Know Your Blood Type? 

No problem! When you donate blood with Vitalant, we’ll test your blood type and provide you with the results for free. In fact, many people first learn their blood type this way. And if you turn out to be O-positive, congratulations — you're one of the MVPs of the blood supply. 

When Supply Doesn’t Keep Up with the Need 

Even though it’s common, the demand for O-positive blood is constant, and donations don’t always match that demand. When you donate O-positive blood, it’s likely to be sent to a patient within a matter of days. Blood centers like Vitalant rely on regular O-positive donors to maintain a stable supply for hospitals and trauma centers across the country. 

You’re Even More Integral than You Realize 

O-positive blood is one of the most powerful gifts you can ever give. You have a unique and powerful opportunity to help patients nearly every time you donate. Whether you give whole blood or Power Red, you’re making a lifesaving difference.  

Your donation could be the one ready when a car crash victim arrives at the ER or a surgery patient faces a life-changing procedure, or the reason a mom gets to hold her baby after a turbulent birth. That’s the power of O-positive, a common blood type with an uncommon impact — and the same power that may be coursing through your veins. 

Don’t wait until there’s a shortage. Be the reason there isn’t one. Schedule your appointment today.