My parents, three siblings, and I are all A+ as is my husband. Don't know about the rest of hubs' family, though.

O- is known as the universal blood type because it can be GIVEN TO anyone with any blood type. It doesn't mean that you can RECEIVE any blood type. The reason the hospital had the "darndest time keeping you in blood" was because they tend to run short on it, because it can be given to anyone if they don't have any blood that is specific to their type. That's why in blood drives they're always begging for O- folks to donate.

Here is an interesting page from the Northern Ohio Red Cross, giving some great info on blood type statistics.

I am also O negative. Give to anybody. Receive from only O negative.

Mine is AB+

I used to know, the donor card they are sending me will have it on it. Here is some info they gave me about blood types when I donated blood.

-1 pint of can save up to 3 lives.
-4.5 million are saved every year by blood transfusions.
-1 out of 10 hospital patients need blood.
-There are 4 main blood types, A, B, AB, O.

Blood Type % of Population
O+ 38%
O- 7%
A+ 34%
A- 6%
B+ 9%
B= 2%
AB+ 3%
AB- 1%

O- is the universal red cell donor
AB+ is the universal red cell recipient
AB is the universal plasma donor.

I worked with a lady who had a very rare blood type. They would call her at work and ask that she come in to donate in emergency cases sometimes. I think AB-???

Mine is B-. During my pregnancy I had to have gamaglobulin shots, and I can only receive O- or B- blood.

Mine is A+.

Mine is B-.
That's why I always used to give blood when I was able. And yes, I would also get phone calls.

Mine is B+. My son has a rare type (can't remember which now) and he gets called all the time to come in and donate. He always goes-

Trish

I'm another 0- Had to get RhoGam shots with each pregnancy.

Mine is A+.

Mine is A+ and so is hubby's. Neither of us can "give" blood since we've both had cancer, plus I don't weigh enough.

Both my husband and I are A+.

O+ I think or maybe B but it definately a +

A- one of the 6%

I am A+. My dad was AB- and they used to love the see him coming! My DH's family has B's. I don't think I've ever known someone with B blood type. My DH gave blood at work once but he got really dizzy and sick, even after juice and cookies and laying down more and (I think) is scared to do it again!

I have 2 kids and don't know what blood type they are. I would like to know just in case (I know they could just get O-, but I'm curious) Whenever I asked at the doctors office no one ever seemed like it was a big deal and why did I want to know?

My old boss was one of these people that donated every 56 days. Faithfully! For some reason that was his "pet" project. I used to be on track to donate about twice a year, since our church or library would hold drives. I've been told I have good veins! lol But I haven't donated lately (was pregnant last year) I need to make an appt asap. Blood is always in high demand!! I think I read a stat that 70% of the population is eligible to donate but only 3% does! SO get out there and donate (if you can!) Free cookies!!

Mine is AB+

I'm O+, which is universal to most except O-. I used to donate every six weeks when I lived in a city that had an ongoing Red Cross center to collect it. After I moved to a smaller town, I kind of got out of the habit. Now that I'm type II diabetic, I don't know if I can -- I'll have to ask the Dr.

I always felt good about donating and it never bothered me. When I was donating on a regular basis I was a smoker. I could donate and step out the door and light up. Thanks goodness I quit that nasty habit!!

Yep you are a univeral DONOR, not receiver!

Thanks Lindsey, I guess that this ol' woman learned something new today. I was under the impression that it was the other way around. That I could Receive any blood. That explains it. I was beginning to think the hospital was just low on blood all around. Thanks for clearing that up for me.

Darleen

Am I the only one who has no idea what their blood type is?

Mine is B-, 2% of the population have this type. And yes, I had to have shots when pregnant too.

Good question.

When I filled out the ICE card and it asked my blood type I realized I didn't know. I had an appointment a few days later with my Dr. so I told her about the card and that I didn't know what my blood type is. She commented that putting that info on the card wasn't really important because in the case of an accident, the responders might not "believe" it and would check with your local hospital before giving you blood.

That raises some questions in my mind though. If you have never been a patient in your local hospital, that is not an option. If you are in an accident many miles from home, contacting your hospital might not be possible.

She did say she would check with the hospital and find out what my type is.

On a side issue, for those of you who have the - in your blood type, do you know what it refers to? I do, but I won't get into that here, but I suggest you ask your doctor or google it.

Sue

I am O neg DD is A neg and DS and DH are both A+. I had to have the shot after DS was born.

I am B-, Jason is A+, Annie is A+, Claire is AB+, and Evelyn is O+. I'm just glad they don't have to have the shots like I did when they have babies. :)

Danielle

I am A+, husband is O+.

I'm AB+. When I was pregnant, my doctor grilled me every visit what my blood type was.....said I should always know it in case of emergencies.

Thanks for the link, Lindsey. I found it interesting.

Shirley

O positive! I like that, as I think of me as a positive sort of person. ;)

Moni

Oh, I guess since I'm Canadian, only 1.4% of the population have my blood type.

I think mine is RH Negative.
I do not donate blood, I fear needles.
So, how do you actually find out your
blood type?
Deb

I am O+ and on a list for a kidney transplant. I can only receive one that's o+ or O-.

O Positive, I think. Never received blood or gave.

Mine is O+

I have no idea what mine is. I know my Mother's is A+.

Sue

Deb, RH negative just means your type is negative..but you'd have to have a blood test to get the letter type.

I am A-, the hubby is O+, hence why like Danielle and others I too had to have shots with each pregnancy..because the boys are all positive..oldest is O+, middle one is A+ and I think Kam is O+ too..

And it only matters if the mommy has a negative RH factor. If hubby is a negative too..then there is not an issue, if Daddy is positive and baby is a negative, then mom only gets the "midway" shot..not the after birth shot with a positive child.

My daughter and I are A+. My husband is O+ and our son is A-.

I found out years ago I was AB-. In 1970 I had my last child and she had to have 2 complete blood tranfusions. We call her our miracle baby. I was told I can't donate blood because I've had Hepatitis.

Marcy

A+ ... and I used to give blood frequently, but several years ago they said that one couldn't past age 70. That didn't come into effect for me, though, for prior to that they found something in my blood that, though not a problem for me, might be troublesome for others so they wouldn't take it any more.

May I add my request to that already made that you look into the possibility of giving blood, and if you can, please do so, and make a habit of it.

It really is a life-saver in many situations and they are often short of needed supplies ... especially in summer, when folks go on vacation.

Where else can you find an opportunity to make a life-saving gift ... at, apart from a minor prick in the arm, zero cost to you?

Another mark of a good citizen.

Memo particularly to folks who claim to be Christian:

When your life here is complete and, on arrival at the Great Gate, you are sitting for your final exam, when you come to the question, "Did you donate blood?" and, for those who check off "No", when the question for those who choose that option is, "Why not?" ...

... what will you say?

ole joyful

A+,and I need a kidney..

I've always been curious what my kids blood types are. I'm A+ and DH is O+. I always just assumed the boys were A+ but after reading this, I don't know.

I'm O-, and I have a wallet card from the American Red Cross noting it. I keep it right behind my driver's license.

My dad was B- and was frequently called in to give blood. I think he reached the 10 gallon mark before he reached 65.