My Grandson is a Universal Donor! opus 921
| 14 August 2026 1853 Hours | | Medical, Biology, Education, Genetics, Grandson, Population, Science |
I was writing one of my Thoughts on the subject of blood.
In that piece, I mentioned the need for O-negative blood donations.
I related this to my grandson, Jayden,
Who immediately said he has that exact type.
Being curious, I researched the topic further.
Indeed, O-negative is 'universal' for red blood cell donations.
By lacking A, B, and Rh antigens it can be given
Safely to those of any blood type without
Triggering a life-threatening immunine reaction.
On the other hand, AB-positive is the universal recipient,
Which can receive blood cells of any blood type.
In addition, AB-positive and AB-negative are
Known as the universal donors for plasma.
On the downside, those with O-negative blood,
Can receive only O-negative blood from a donor!
O-negative blood is always in short supply
Because only about 7% of the population has that type.
To add to this burden, medical teams rely heavily on
O-negative for newborn care, trauma, and surgeries,
When there is little time to test a patient's blood type.
As with life, there are wonderful 'perfects,'
But, as with life, there is often a down-side.