So, what does your blood type say about you?
There are eight main blood types, some rarer than others.
Whether you are A, B, AB or O, patients need your blood. Some blood types are in higher demand than others and are needed more regularly, but please remember, every donation you make can save up to three lives.
- positiveis the most common blood type. Around 35 per cent of blood donors have this blood type – that’s 1 in 3 blood donors.
- negativedonors make up 13 per cent of the donor base and are often called the ‘universal donor’ because their blood can be given to people of any blood type in an emergency.
- Around 30 per cent of blood donors have A positive
- 1 in 13 blood donors is A negative.
- Only 8 per cent of donors are B positive.
- 2 per cent of donors are B negative, making it one of the rarest blood types.
- 1 in 50 blood donors is AB positive, making it very rare.
- AB negativeis the rarest of the 8 main blood groups accounting for only 1 per cent of blood donors.
Blood types and personality
Some people think your blood type can tell you about your personality and temperament too. In Japan, it is widely believed that there is a link between human ABO blood types and personality traits.
“In this country a lot of people don’t know their blood type, whereas in Japan, many people live their lives based on it,” says Martin Maley, a senior lecturer in biomedical sciences at the University of Sunderland and previously head of the NHS Blood and Transplant Red Cell Immunohaematology Laboratory in Newcastle.
- O group:popular, confident and creative
- A group:calm, shy and excellent listeners
- B group:ambitious and driven to achieve
- AB group:stand out from the crowd, logical and determined
Getting started
As a new donor, we know you’re eager to give blood and save lives straight away.
If you can’t find a blood donation appointment immediately, don’t worry. We’ll still need your help in the future so please search several months ahead.
To get started, you’ll need to register your details. We will ask you to:
- answer some basic questions to check you’re able to start the registration process
- register and validate your email address so we can contact you about your appointment
- complete your personal details to set up your account
Once you have registered, log in to book an appointment at a time and venue that suits you.
Making your first donation
Step 1
When you arrive at your appointment, complete a health check questionnaire and drink 500ml of water.
Step 2
Have a private health screening with a friendly member of the team.
Step 3
Take a seat and give blood for 5-10 minutes.
Step 4
Enjoy a free drink and snack while you rest for 15 minutes.
Step 5
You’re all done. Your donation will help save up to three lives.
