BLOOD TYPES
Please choose a donation type that matches up with your blood type in order to make a maximum impact in your community. If you have questions regarding why one donation type is more beneficial for your blood type, please call 1-866-256-6372.
Blood Type% of US PopulationBest Type of DonationsYou Can Give toYou Can Receive FromA+34%Platelets
PlasmaA+, AB+A+, A-, O+, O-A-6%Double Red Cells
Whole BloodA-, A+, AB-, AB+A-, O-B+9%Platelets
PlasmaB+, AB+B+, B-, O+, O-B-2%Double Red Cells
Whole BloodB-, B+, AB-, AB+B-, O-O+38%Double Red Cells
Whole BloodO+, A+, B+, AB+O+, O-O-7%Double Red Cells
Whole BloodAll Blood TypesO-AB+3%Platelets
PlasmaAB+All Blood TypesAB-1%Platelets
PlasmaAB-, AB+AB-, A-, B-, O-
Why is one type of donation better for my blood type than another? Expand
Based on patient transfusion needs and the properties of your blood type, it is true that some donation types can make a bigger impact than others. Read below to find out why. Please note that this information is what is generally needed by patients. Our inventory fluctuates every day based on patient needs, and we may occasionally ask donors to change their donation type to match our current needs.
Ideal Blood Types for Double Red Cell Donation: O-, O+, A-, B- Expand
There are some blood types that are used more frequently for transfusions that others because of their compatibility with the recipient’s blood type. Donated red cells MUST be compatible with the recipient patient’s blood type in order for the transfusion to be successful. If you check the chart above, you will notice that each of these blood types can be received by patients with a variety of blood types. For this reason, we request donors with the blood type of O-, O+, A- or B- donate double red cells if they are eligible or a whole blood donation to make the maximum impact for our patients.
Ideal Blood Types for Platelet Donation: A+, B+, AB+, AB- Expand
Platelets are not as type specific as red blood cells, meaning that most patients can accept platelets from donors with any blood type, regardless of the patient’s blood type. Since platelets only last for FIVE days, they are always needed by patients. For this reason, we request donors with the blood type of A+, B+, AB+, or AB- to donate platelets if they are eligible or whole blood donation to make the maximum impact for our patients.
Ideal Blood Types for Plasma Donation: AB+ or AB- Expand
AB is the universal blood type for plasma donations, so we ask donors with the blood type of AB+ or AB- to donate plasma if they are eligible, to make the maximum impact for our patients.
Ideal Blood Types for Whole Blood Donation: All Types! Expand
We gladly accept whole blood donations from eligible donors with any blood type. All donated blood and blood components makes a huge difference for patients in need.
Plasma is the liquid portion of blood. About 55% of our blood is plasma, and the remaining 45% are red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets that are suspended in the plasma.
Plasma is about 92% water. It also contains 7% vital proteins such as albumin, gamma globulin and anti-hemophilic factor, and 1% mineral salts, sugars, fats, hormones and vitamins.
Plasma serves four important functions in our body:
1. Helps maintain blood pressure and volume.
2. Supply critical proteins for blood clotting and immunity.
3. Carries electrolytes such as sodium and potassium to our muscles.
4. Helps to maintain a proper pH balance in the body, which supports cell function.
There are some basic requirements you need to fulfill in order to become a blood donor. You may become a donor if you:
- are aged between 16 and 60 (Youths aged 16 and 17 will need to complete and bring a signed parental consent form)
- weigh at least 45kg
- are in good health
- do not have any symptoms of infection (e.g. sore throat, cough, runny nose, diarrhoea) for at least one week
- did not have fever in the last four weeks
- have a haemoglobin level of at least 12.5g/dL for females, and at least 13.0g/dL for males. (A test will be administered by trained nurses at the donation site.)
You can boost your iron level with a well-balanced iron-rich diet. Click here for tips to boost your iron. Click here for more information about haemoglobin levels.
At the donation site, you will also be asked to complete a Donor Health Assessment Questionnaire. Depending on your answers, you may or may not be eligible to donate blood. Click here for a quick basic eligibility quiz to find out if you can donate blood!
Take Basic Eligibility Quiz
When Not To Donate
You are advised to postpone your blood donation if you’re currently undergoing treatment for a major illness or surgery, or (for women) if you’re pregnant or experiencing heavy menstrual flow.
UPDATE
The bloodbank has implemented a new blood donation eligibility guideline for donors who received the COVID-19 vaccine. Please click here for more information or visit giveblood.sg for Covid-19 blood donation updates.
If you have travelled overseas recently, please call 6220 0183 or check HSA’s blood donation criteria for your eligibility.
Visit the Health Sciences Authority’s website to learn more about the different factors that could affect your next donation date.
Planning Your Next Donation
Whether it’s your first time donating blood or you’re a regular donor, take the following into consideration: