AB Negative (AB-) is the rarest of the eight main blood groups in India — fewer than one person in a hundred is AB-. AB- red cells can be given to AB- and AB+ patients, and like all AB types, AB- donors provide universal plasma. Because the AB- donor pool is so small, every AB- registration meaningfully strengthens the safety net for these patients.
AB Negative Blood Compatibility Chart
AB Negative (AB-) red blood cell donation and receiving compatibility
AB- can donate red cells to
AB-, AB+
AB- can receive red cells from
AB-, A-, B-, O-
Prevalence
the rarest blood type in India (under 1% of the population)
Why AB- Donors Matter in Emergencies
AB- patients can only receive Rh-negative red cells (AB-, A-, B- or O-), so matching donors are hard to find in a crisis. Registering as an AB- donor on TAL Blood Aid could be the difference between a patient finding blood in time or not.
Who Can Donate Blood?
Most healthy adults can donate blood. In India you are generally eligible to donate AB- blood if you:
Are between 18 and 65 years of age
Weigh at least 45 kg
Have a haemoglobin level of 12.5 g/dL or higher
Are in good general health and free of active infection
Have not donated whole blood in the last three months
Register as a blood donor and select AB- as your blood group.
Get matched — receive alerts when a nearby patient needs AB- blood.
Respond to an emergency blood request and connect with the patient or hospital directly.
The Blood Donation Process
Donating blood is quick and safe. After you register and consent, a health worker checks your haemoglobin, blood pressure and general fitness. The donation itself takes only about 8–10 minutes, during which roughly one unit (around 350–450 ml) is collected. You then rest for a few minutes with a snack. Your body replaces the fluid within about 24 hours and red cells over the following weeks, so a healthy AB- donor can give again after three months.
Benefits of Donating AB- Blood
A single blood donation can be separated into red cells, platelets and plasma — so one AB- donation can help up to three different patients. Donors also receive a free mini health check (haemoglobin, blood pressure and more) at every visit. Most importantly, regular voluntary donation keeps the blood supply stable, which is what makes timely transfusions possible for accident victims, surgery and cancer patients, and mothers during childbirth.
Common Myths About Blood Donation
“Donating makes you weak.” A healthy adult replaces the donated volume within a day; donation does not reduce your strength or immunity.
“It's painful or unsafe.” Only a brief needle prick is involved, and a fresh, sterile, single-use kit is used for every donor.
“My blood type isn't needed.” Every blood group is needed — AB- included. Even rare types are vital because they can be the only match for some patients.
AB Negative (AB-) Blood Donor — FAQs
Who can receive AB Negative (AB-) blood?
AB Negative (AB-) red blood cells can be safely transfused to patients with these blood types: AB-, AB+.
Which blood types can a AB Negative patient receive?
A AB Negative (AB-) patient can receive red blood cells from: AB-, A-, B-, O-.
Is AB Negative blood rare?
AB Negative (AB-) is the rarest blood type in India (under 1% of the population). AB Negative is the rarest blood type. AB- donors are the universal plasma donors and are extremely valuable given how few AB- donors exist.
How do I register as a AB Negative blood donor?
Create a free TAL Blood Aid account and select AB- as your blood group. You will be notified whenever a patient near you needs AB- blood, and you can respond to emergency blood requests directly.
How often can I donate AB Negative blood?
A healthy adult can donate whole blood once every three months (about four times a year). Platelet donors can donate more frequently. You must be 18–65 years old, weigh at least 45 kg and be in good health.
