Awesome Anatomy

About Blood:

This red liquid carries oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body, and carries carbon dioxide and other waste products back to the lungs, kidneys and liver for disposal. It fights against infection and helps heal wounds, so we can stay healthy.

There's no substitute for blood. If people lose blood from surgery or injury or if their bodies can't produce enough, there is only one place to turn -- volunteer blood donors.

Blood History

In 1898, it was discovered that inherited differences in people's red cells were the cause of many of the incompatibilities seen with transfusions. Four blood types were identified. During World War I, when human blood was needed for transfusions for wounded soldiers, studies of how to preserve and transport blood began.

Not until World War II, however, did the development of effective preservative solutions make blood transfusions widely and safely available. There have been many advances since then, including the discovery of additional types of blood such as the Rh positive and Rh negative classifications.

Today, thanks to these advances, full utilization is made of nearly every blood donation. Elements of blood can be separated by centrifuge. Plasma can be preserved by freezing. Each blood element can be used to treat different diseases.

Blood is now tested for diseases it may carry, and any blood testing positive for a disease is destroyed.

Millions of times each year in the United States, human blood is required to save the lives of people suffering from accidents and disease. There is no way to manufacture human blood outside the body. That is why the Blood Bank of Hawaii plays such a vital role in the healthcare of the our region.



About Blood Types

All blood donors are important, but if you are type O or AB, you are special because type O negative red blood cells and type AB plasma can be transfused to any patient. Your donations are VITAL - please donate as often as you can, every 56 days for red blood cells.

Having blood immediately available when it is needed may help save many lives.

Blood Type------------------ RH How Many People Have It?

O Positive ------------------- 40 out 100

O Negative ------------------- 7 out of 100

A Positive ------------------- 34 out of 100

A Negative ------------------- 6 out of 100

B Positive ------------------- 8 out of 100

B Negative ------------------- 1 out of 100

AB Positive ------------------- 3 out of 100

AB Negative ------------------- 1 out 200


You Can Receive This Type of Red Blood Cells

If you are this blood type. O- O+ B- B+ A- A+ AB- AB+ AB+ X X X X X X X X AB- X * X * X * X * A+ X X X X A- X * X * B+ X X X X B- X * X * O+ X X O- X * X Routine Transfusion Compatibility * Although compatible, use only in emergencies.

You Can Receive This Type of Plasma

If you are this blood type.		O-	O+	B-	B+	A-	A+	AB-	AB+
	AB+							X	X
	AB-							X	X
	A+					X	X	X	X
	A-					X	X	X	X
	B+			X	X			X	X
	B-			X	X			X	X
	O+	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
	O-	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
	X	Routine Transfusion Compatibility

Does your blood type reveal your personality?

According to a Japanese institute that does research on blood types, there are certain personality traits that seem to match up with certain blood types. How do you rate?

Type O : You want to be a leader, and when you see something you want, you keep striving until you achieve your goal. You are a trend-setter, loyal, passionate, and self-confident. Your weaknesses include vanity and jealously and a tendency to be too competitive.

Type A : You like harmony, peace and organization. You work well with others, and are sensitive, patient and affectionate. Among your weaknesses are stubbornness and an inability to relax.

Type B : You're a rugged individualist, who's straight forward and like to do things your own way. Creative and flexible, you adapt easily to any situation. But your insistence on being independent can sometimes go too far and become a weakness.

Type AB : Cool and controlled, you're generally well liked and always put people at ease. You're a natural entertainer who's tactful and fair. But you're standoffish, blunt, and have difficulty making decisions.