Blood type

[robblok]

I had my blood type tested (and loads of other things to see if I am still healthy). Results were all good but I was a bit puzzled about the blood type. It said O.. I always thought there had to be a + or - too. If they say O can I assume its O +

Tomorrow or Monday I have to go back to get one more test result so I can ask but I am curious so if anyone knows the answer let me know.

Also the odds of O+ are of course a lot higher.

[donnybay]

Yes there is a big difference between + and - O

[Sheryl]

Yes, you should ask. In Thailsn RH- is very rare so almost all Thais who are type O are O+ but this does not hold for foreigners.

It is possible they did not even test the RHO factor. Ask them.

If you are O Negative and need a transfusion in Thailand, blood of the right type will be scarce (worth asking around to see if you have friends/family who would donate in a pinch). On the other hand, you would be a "universal donor" and able to give blood to anyone including foreigners with other types of RH- blood, for which there are frequent appeals. If you are O positive then neither the case.

[robblok]

I went back will get the corrected result tomorrow with the rest of the tests. I hope its just O+ sounds a lot easier.. being an universal donor is nice.. however its a headache for yourself if blood is that rare.

[Sheryl]

But better to know about it in advance, so you can line up potential donors just in case!

[Inquisitorial]

Yes, you should ask. In Thailsn RH- is very rare so almost all Thais who are type O are O+ but this does not hold for foreigners.

It is possible they did not even test the RHO factor. Ask them.

If you are O Negative and need a transfusion in Thailand, blood of the right type will be scarce (worth asking around to see if you have friends/family who would donate in a pinch). On the other hand, you would be a "universal donor" and able to give blood to anyone including foreigners with other types of RH- blood, for which there are frequent appeals. If you are O positive then neither the case.

Sherl

Do you know if there is problem with availability of AB+ in Bangkok? Though I did read somewhere that they can use O+ on AB+ patients.

Thanks

[Sheryl]

AB+ not a big problem -- in fact, it is the "universal recipient" and can receive blood from all blood types, A, B, AB or O.

In Thailand the big problem is for people with any type of RH- blood. 99.5% of the Thai population is RH+.

[robblok]

I got the tests back and it was O + (small chance for O-) so no worries about blood for me now.