May is type O blood donor month

O negative blood is the universal blood type. It can be transfused to anyone, regardless of the patient’s blood type. In trauma situations, doctors reach for O negative blood first.
O positive blood can be transfused to anyone with a positive blood type — that’s 85 percent of the population! Having an adequate amount of red cells in these blood types is critical to meet current patient needs.
To decrease the time spent in the blood donation process, United Blood Services has created Fast Track Health History. On the day of donation, interested donors go to UnitedBloodServices.org and click Fast Track Health History to complete the required information before coming to donate.
United Blood Services constantly monitors blood usage trends and current supply to make sure enough red cells are readily available in all blood types (not just type O) to meet the needs of patients on any given day of the week. United Blood Services appreciates and values donors’ time, effort and humanitarian spirits. To decrease the time spent in the blood donation process, United Blood Services has created Fast Track Health History. On the day of donation, interested donors go to UnitedBloodServices.org and click Fast Track Health History to complete the required information before coming to donate.
United Blood Services staff works with donors to maximize the effectiveness of each donation at each visit, regardless of blood type. However, O negative blood must be ready and waiting in emergency departments and trauma centers. It is the only blood type that can be used for transfusions when there’s not time to type and crossmatch a patient.
If you have O-negative blood, you are a potential universal red blood cell donor.  O-negative red blood cells can be transfused to patients with all types of blood. Unfortunately, only 6 percent of the population has O-negative blood. That’s why United Blood Services needs you.
To make the most of O-negative blood, United Blood Services uses special technology to collect just the components patients need most. For an O-negative donor, that’s red cells — and it’s possible when donating to do a double red cell donation. In the Acadiana region, there is a special need for type O donors to give double red cell donations.