Most Common Type of Blood
Blood is classified based on certain features of its cells, called antigens. Your blood type was genetically determined by your parents' types.
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What Is Blood Type
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Blood type is based on whether a person's blood has certain antigens, molecules on the surface of the red blood cells. The two antigens used are called A and B. Blood with only A antigens is type A; with only B antigens, type B. Blood having both antigens is type AB. Blood with neither antigen is type O. These eight types are classified again using a third antigen. Blood with it is Rh positive; blood lacking it is Rh negative.
Significance
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Blood type becomes crucial in transfusions and organ transplants; only certain bloods should be mixed. If the blood types are incompatible, the patient's body will destroy the new blood's cells, leading to physical complications.
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Common and Uncommon Types
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The most common blood type is O positive; 38 percent of people have it. The next most common is A positive, in 34 percent. The more uncommon types are B positive (9 percent), O negative (7 percent), A negative (6 percent), and AB positive (3 percent). B negative (2 percent) and AB negative (1% percent) are the rarest.
Interesting Fact
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A National Cancer Institute study released in August 2009 found a link between blood type and the development of pancreatic cancer.
All Types Needed
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Since only certain types of blood can be used together, regular blood donation helps ensure that physicians have all types available.
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