Armed services seeking donors with AB blood type

Above: An Army surgeon sews up a soldier's wound from shrapnel during an IED attack in May.

The Armed Services Blood Program is calling for AB blood type donors.

Known as a universal donor, AB blood can be given to anyone in an emergency, yet less than 4 percent of people in the U.S. have type AB blood, according to a news release issued by the U.S. Army Medical Command based at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Donated blood is usually separated into plasma, platelets and red blood cells, meaning one donation can possibly help three people.

“While group AB plasma can be given to anyone, it is always best for a patient to receive his or her exact blood type. As soon as a patient’s blood type is confirmed, group-specific blood products are used,” the release stated. “Because blood is perishable, blood donors of all types are in high demand to meet the needs of the military community.”

Read the rest at Stars and Stripes