The most common blood type among the British population is O.
Blood Type Distribution in the UK
According to available data, blood type O is the most prevalent in the United Kingdom.
- O Positive: Approximately 48% of the UK population has blood type O.
- O Negative: Around 7% of the population has O negative blood. This is particularly important because O negative is considered the universal donor blood type and is in high demand in hospitals.
Table of UK Blood Types
| Blood Type | Approximate Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| O | 48% | Most common, includes O+ and O- |
| O Negative | 7% | Universal donor, high demand in hospitals |
| A | Second most common | |
| B | Less common than A | |
| AB | Least common |
While O is the most common, there are other blood types. A, B, and AB also make up a portion of the UK population. Specific percentages for each of the other blood types are not mentioned in the provided reference.
Why O Negative Is Significant
Although only 7% of the population has O negative blood, it is essential for hospitals because:
- It's the universal donor type, so it can be given to any patient in an emergency when their blood type is unknown.
- Due to this universal donor property, demand for it is very high, accounting for about 13% of hospital blood requests.
