A negative blood type
About 6% of Americans have A negative blood, and their platelets and plasma are in steady demand.
6.3%
about 1 in 16 people · #5 of 8
What A negative means
A negative red cells carry the A antigen but not Rh D. The plasma contains anti-B antibodies.
Because they lack D, A negative red cells are suitable for both Rh-positive and Rh-negative patients of group A or AB.
An A negative person can receive red cells only from A− and O− donors.
Plasma
A- plasma can be given to O+, O-, A+, A-. A A- patient can receive plasma from A+, A-, AB+, AB-. Plasma rules run opposite to red cells because plasma carries antibodies, not antigens.
Best way to donate
Platelets or whole blood. A negative red cells help A−, A+, AB− and AB+ patients.
Genetics
ABO genotype AA or AO; Rh genotype dd. Want to know what blood type your children could have? Use the blood type calculator.
Pregnancy
Rh negative: if the baby’s father is Rh positive, the baby may be too, so anti-D (RhoGAM) is usually offered in pregnancy. Read the Rh factor guide.
A negative blood type FAQs
Who can A negative donate to?
A−, A+, AB− and AB+ patients.
Who can A negative receive from?
A− and O− red cells.
Is A negative rare?
Fairly: roughly 1 in 16 Americans. It is the fifth most common of the eight types.