The most common blood type worldwide, including in the United States and the UK, is O positive (O+). In the U.S., about 37-38% of the population has O positive blood, making it the most frequently occurring blood type
. Similarly, in the UK, around 35-48% of people have blood group O, with O positive being the most common Rh type
. O positive blood is in high demand because it can be given to anyone with an Rh-positive blood type, which includes A+, B+, AB+, and O+ recipients-covering approximately 76% of the population
. This broad compatibility, combined with its high prevalence, makes O positive the most common and most requested blood type for transfusions. In summary:
- O positive is the most common blood type globally and in the U.S. (about 37-38% prevalence)
- It is compatible with all Rh-positive blood types, benefiting roughly three-quarters of the population
- The universal donor blood type is O negative, which is less common (about 7-14% of the population) but crucial for emergencies
Thus, O positive is the most common blood type overall.
