Yes, but with a crucial caveat. O- blood can be transfused to O+ individuals, but O+ blood cannot be transfused to O- individuals. This is due to the Rh factor.
Understanding Blood Types
Blood types are categorized based on the presence or absence of specific antigens (proteins) on the surface of red blood cells. The ABO system uses A, B, and O to classify these antigens:
- Type A: Has A antigens.
- Type B: Has B antigens.
- Type AB: Has both A and B antigens.
- Type O: Has neither A nor B antigens.
The Rh factor is another antigen; blood is either Rh positive (Rh+) or Rh negative (Rh-). This means there are eight main blood types: A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, AB-, O+, and O-.
Transfusion Compatibility
The compatibility of blood types for transfusion depends on avoiding adverse reactions. A recipient's immune system can attack transfused blood with incompatible antigens, resulting in serious complications.
- O- is the universal donor: O- blood lacks both A and B antigens, and the Rh factor, making it safe for transfusion to individuals of all blood types in emergency situations. The reference from the American Cancer Society supports this: "For example, just one car accident victim can require many units of blood." This emphasizes the importance of O- as a universal donor blood type.
- O+ can donate to: O+ recipients, A+, B+, and AB+ recipients. This is because O+ blood only contains the Rh factor, which is present in the recipient.
- O+ cannot donate to: O- recipients. O+ blood contains the Rh antigen, which would trigger an immune response in an O- recipient. This is corroborated by the statement: "All blood types can receive type O- blood. However, only recipients with the same Rh marker as O+ donors can receive a transfusion from this blood type — so, recipients with AB+, A+, B+, and O+ blood types can all receive type O+ blood."
Summary
While O- blood is compatible with O+, the reverse is not true. O+ blood contains the Rh factor, which can cause a reaction in an O- recipient. Therefore, careful matching of blood types, considering both ABO and Rh factors, is critical for safe transfusions.
