O Negative Blood

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O Negative Blood

As an O Negative blood donor you have a particularly unique opportunity to help people in emergency situations. O Negative blood cells are called “universal” meaning they can be transfused to almost any patient in need, and only 6.6% of the population has O Negative blood. In the event of an emergency, trauma patients and accident victims are given a fighting chance at life due to O Negative blood transfusion. You may hear that “O Negative blood is the type they carry on the medical helicopters”. This is often the case when there is no time to ask questions.

Additionally, O Negative red blood cells are safest for newborn infants with under-developed immune systems. Your commitment to regular and frequent donations is especially important to maintain sufficient supplies for our community. And, local patients are grateful for your “gift of life”. It is also important to remember that while donors of all blood types can receive O Negative blood, those with O Negative blood can generally only receive O Negative blood. In extreme emergencies when O Negative is in short supply, sometimes O Positive can be substituted. 1 in 15 people have O- blood (approximately 6.6% of the population).


1. Universal Red Cell Donor and Rare Blood Type
The O negative blood type is particularly helpful in emergency situations. With O negative blood transfusion, trauma and accident victims are given a chance at life. This blood type is called universal because it can be transfused to almost any patient in need of whatever blood group. Truly important in emergency situations whenever an individual requires immediate blood transfusion. It is also the safest for newborn infants especially the ones with underdeveloped immune systems. However, O negative blood type is relatively rare compared to the other blood types. It is only present in 1 out of 15 individuals. This means approximately 6.6% of the population has O negative blood. However, not all of the ethnic groups share the same proportions of O negative blood types. This blood type is present in about 8% in Caucasians, 4% in African American, 4% in Hispanic, and 1% in Asian.

2. Inheritance Patterns
The ABO gene found on chromosome 9 determines the ABO blood group system. O genes (or alleles) do not produce antigens A or B, thereby are called silent alleles.  Blood Group O has neither A or B antigen on red cells but with both the A and B antibody in the plasma.

How is O Negative blood type inherited?

If parental blood groups consist of O and O, the child’s blood group will be O.

If parental blood groups consist of O and A, the child’s blood group will either be O or A.

If parental blood groups consist of O and B, the child’s blood group will either be O or B.

If parental blood groups consist of A and A, the child’s blood group will either be O or A.

If parental blood groups consist of A and B, the child’s blood group will either be one of O, A, B, or AB.

If parental blood groups consist of B and B, the child’s blood group will either be O or B.

Read interesting facts about blood donation here.

3. Blood Type Compatibility: O- Can Only Receive O-
An individual with an O negative blood group doesn’t have the three antigens (A, B, and Rh). Due to the absence of these antigens, O negative blood group can only accept O negative blood. Any other blood group introduced will lead to an immune attack against the foreign antigen.

4. Blood Type Compatibility: O- Can Be Given To O-, O+, A-, A+, B-, B+, AB- and AB+
Being an O- donor makes the person compatible to donate blood to any blood group because none of the antigens A, B, and Rh is present in the person’s blood. Note that there is no “O” antigen in blood cells.

5. Plasma Type Compatibility: O Can Receive O, A, B and AB
Blood Type O carries both antibodies, making blood type O group compatible to receive plasma from groups O, A, B and AB. However, blood type O plasma can only be given to type O recipients.

6. Has an No Rh Factor
Rh Factor is an additional marker in the blood. This can be classified as either Rh positive or Rh negative. This marker is only used for genetic differences. O Negative blood type is Rh negative. However, an O negative pregnant woman with an Rh positive fetus may experience Rh incompatibility issues. Without sufficient preventive measures applied, complications may occur during the second pregnancy with an Rh positive fetus. The treatment involves the use of antibodies in contrast to Rh antigen (RhoGHAM). Also read about O Positive Blood Type.

7. Tendency Towards Higher Levels of Stomach Acids
Individuals with blood type O may be predisposed to certain medical conditions like ulcers. This can happen because of higher levels of stomach acids. However, they have well-built ability to digest protein and fat-rich meals. The two chemicals intestinal alkaline phosphatase enzyme and ApoB48 lipoprotein used by the digestive tract are secreted at much higher levels. It improves the ability of blood type O individuals to metabolize animal sourced cholesterol more efficiently. However, simple carbohydrates such as those sourced from grains, are easily converted into triglycerides and fats.

8. Immediate “Fight or Flight” Response
This can cause episodes of excessive anger, hyperactivity, temper tantrums, and chemical imbalance bringing about manic experiences. Blood Type O individuals are also vulnerable to destructive behaviors when exceedingly bored, tired or depressed, due to the synergistic relationship between feelings of reward and release of dopamine.

When it comes to personality traits, O Negative individuals are known to be competent, loyal, passionate, and self-confident. They are associated with leadership qualities and considered innovators.

9. Diet Recommendations

It is recommended for blood type O individuals to focus their diet on organic meats, fruits and vegetables to avoid being overstressed. Moreover, dairy and wheat products should be avoided because they may initiate digestive and health concerns. Intake of caffeine and alcohol should also be avoided. They can be harmful with their potential to increase adrenaline and noradrenaline which are already in high levels in blood type O individuals.

10. Exercise Recommendations
Brisk regular exercise that promotes the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular system can be beneficial. Physical exercise releases a crowd of neurotransmitter activity to tone the whole system. It also helps uphold a physical health and emotional balance due to a well regulated and efficient chemical transport system. Aaerobic physical exercise should be done 3 to 4 times a week for at least 30 minutes each.
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O Negative Blood

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