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You’ve probably heard the term “universal blood donor” if you’ve ever donated blood. It refers to those people who have the rare distinction of having O Negative blood. What this means is that, generally, O Negative blood can be transfused to anyone, regardless of their blood type.
There is no substitute for human blood. Ideally, a person in need of blood is transfused with blood that is the exact match for their blood type; an A Positive person would get A Positive blood, a B Negative person would get B negative blood, and so on. Therefore donations for all blood types are needed.
However, there are times when a person’s blood type cannot be determined fast enough – especially in emergency situations or combat. When this happens, a universal blood type is called for and used for all individuals, regardless of their blood type. For that reason the Armed Services Blood Bank Center – Europe, part of the Armed Services Blood Program, needs those with O Negative Blood to donate as often as possible.
O Positive blood is also vital in helping those in need of blood, as O Positive blood can be given to any person that is Rh Positive. Approximately 84 percent of the U.S. population is Rh Positive; this blood type also plays a huge role in emergency situations and combat areas.
To make an appointment to donate blood, or to find out more about upcoming blood drives and the ASBP, visit www.militaryblood.dod.mil or call the ASBBC-E at 486-6497 or 06371-86-6497.
