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Why O-Negative Blood Is Not for Everyone – A Critical Transfusion Myth
RAVI C DARA MD, DNB, CABP/LinkedIn
Dec 18, 2025, 23:49

Why O-Negative Blood Is Not for Everyone – A Critical Transfusion Myth

Ravi Dara, Consultant Physician, Transfusion Medicine at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City – SSMC, shared a post by Transfusion Medicine Working Group EMA on LinkedIn:

”O-NEG IS NOT FOR EVERYONE

Help us protect this rare resource.
Read the truth.
Share the myth.

Tag someone who should know this.”

Quoting Transfusion Medicine Working Group EMA’s post:

”Can You Give O-Negative Blood to Everyone?”

MYTH ALERT

“O-negative is the universal donor, so it’s safe for everyone, right?”

TRUTH: While O-negative RBCs can be given in emergencies, it’s NOT always the best choice.

Here’s why:
1. Limited supply (only 5-6% of the population)
2. Transfusions consistently EXCEED donations – creating constant pressure on blood donors
3. Unjustified use unnecessarily depletes this scarce resource needed for true emergencies
4. Type-specific blood is ALWAYS preferred when time allows

Best Practice: Use type-specific blood whenever possible. Save O-negative for life-threatening emergencies.

Every unjustified O-neg transfusion = One less unit for a critical patient

What transfusion myths have YOU encountered? Share below.”

Blood

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Blood Health Hematology Hemostasis Hemostasis Today Medicine Ravi Dara Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City - SSMC thrombosis Transfusion Medicine Transfusion Medicine Working Group EMA
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