O Negative

Your blood type is very important because it can potentially be transfused to any patient regardless of their blood type. In emergency situations, when there isn’t enough time to determine a patient’s blood type, O negative blood is often used.

The best donation for your blood type is double red cells.* By donating double red cells, you can give two units of these potentially lifesaving cells at one time. Double red cell donation is a special automated process.

Automation allows you to donate certain components of your blood in larger amounts. During an automated donation, your blood is drawn into a machine which separates the needed component from the rest of the blood. The final component is collected in a donation bag, while the rest of the blood is returned to you.

To schedule your double red cell donation, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

Double Red Cells:

Shelf life:
42 days
Patients who need red cells:
trauma or surgery patients
Best blood type to donate:
O +, O -, B-, A-
Estimated donation time:
1 hour and 15 minutes
How often you can donate:
every 112 days, 3 times a year
To be eligible you must:
Males:
  • be at least 17 years old
  • be at least 5'1"
  • weigh at least 130 lbs.
  • have a hemoglobin of at least of 13.3 gm/dl
Females:
  • be at least 17 years old
  • be at least 5'5"
  • weigh at least 150 lbs.
  • have a hemoglobin of at least of 13.3 gm/dl

Click here to learn more about your blood type.

* Platelet, plasma and double red cell donations are not available at all Red Cross donation centers or mobiles. Please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to learn about opportunities in your area.