A positive blood type
The second most common blood type in the US, carried by about one in three people.
35.7%
about 1 in 3 people · #2 of 8
What A positive means
A positive red cells carry the A antigen and the Rh D antigen, and the plasma contains anti-B antibodies.
A positive red cells can go only to A positive and AB positive patients, but because A positive is so common, that is still a large share of all transfusions.
An A positive person can receive red cells from A+, A−, O+ and O−.
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 are especially valued from A positive donors, because A positive is common and platelets are needed daily by cancer and surgery patients. Whole blood helps A+ and AB+ patients.
Genetics
ABO genotype AA or AO; Rh genotype DD or Dd. Want to know what blood type your children could have? Use the blood type calculator.
Pregnancy
An A positive mother does not need anti-D (RhoGAM). Read the Rh factor guide.
A positive blood type FAQs
Who can A positive donate to?
A positive red cells can go to A+ and AB+ patients.
Who can A positive receive from?
A+, A−, O+ and O− red cells.
Can two A positive parents have an O child?
Yes, if both carry a hidden O allele (AO). Each child then has a 25% chance of being type O.