In an emergency O+ can be a life saver
O positive is Australia’s most common blood type and crucial in emergencies. With 84% of the population able it to receive it, O positive donors are vital when every second counts.
In the days following the tragic events at Bondi Beach, we shared an appeal for O type blood, especially O negative. And while many people know O negative is the universal blood type, we saw lots of questions about O positive. How many people have it? Is it useful to donate in an emergency? And who can receive it? So, we’ve been doing some positive thinking and come up with a few answers.
How many people are O positive?
Our latest blood type research found that around 38% of all Australians have O positive blood, making it the most common blood type in the country. In fact, the Australian population is becoming more positive over time, which means more people can receive O positive blood if they need it.
Is O positive useful in an emergency?
To put it simply — yes! The reason O negative blood is so vital during an emergency is because it can be given to almost anyone, saving doctors and nurses precious time when a transfusion is needed. O positive blood isn’t quite as versatile, but with positive blood types becoming more common, it’s essential in emergency care.
Who can receive O positive blood?
Around 84% of the population can receive O positive blood (that’s the sum of 32% A+, 11% B+, 3% AB+ and 38% O+). In fact, if a patient’s blood type is unknown, they’re over 18 (50 for females) and there’s no time to test in the hospital, O positive blood is given first.
There’s plenty more to learn about blood types on our website. Why not book a donation and read about your blood type while you save some lives?
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