Matching blood groups

Before you receive a transfusion, testing is done between the donated blood and a sample of your own blood to check for compatibility.

Know your blood group essentials

1. Red cell compatibility

Because of the reasons above, it’s best that patients receive red cell components of identical ABO group and RhD type in their transfusions. Sometimes that’s not possible, like in an emergency when the patient’s blood type is unknown and they need blood urgently. In this instance, O Rh negative is the universal red cell donor blood and can be given to anyone with any blood type.

Safe blood types for each patient blood group:

Patients blood group	Donor blood group
O-	O-
O+	O-, O+
B-	B-, O-

2. Plasma compatibility

Plasma may contain anti-A, anti-B or both anti-A and anti-B antibodies depending on your blood group. If you require plasma you should only receive plasma that doesn’t contain an antibody which could attack the antigens on your own red cells. Group A patients have A antigen on their red cells, so they can’t receive group O or group B plasma as the anti-A will attack their red cells. Group B patients have B antigen on their red cells, so they can’t receive group O or group A plasma as the anti-B will attack their red cells. Group AB recipients can only receive group AB plasma. Group O recipients don’t have either A or B antigen, so can safely receive plasma of any blood group type..

Safe plasma types for each patient plasma group:

Patients group	Compatible plasma donor
O-	O-
O+	O-, O+
B-	B-, O-

3. Platelet compatibility

ABO identical platelets are usually preferred. However, in some circumstances, the need for other special requirements may be more important than providing the same ABO group.

circumstances, the need for other special requirements may be more important than providing the same ABO group. Your healthcare team will work this out and you can always talk to them if you’d like more information.