Your blood type is determined by genes inherited from your parents.
In the UK, about 30% of the population has A positive blood. This makes it the second most common blood type after O positive (36%). Blood type distribution by country is not always the same. In Germany for example, the A Positive blood type is the dominant one (37%) ahead of O positive (35%), In Norway, nearly 42% of the population have the A Positive blood type.
One interesting fact about A positive blood is that it can be given to someone with A positive or AB positive blood, but cannot be given to those with O positive or B positive blood. Additionally, individuals with A positive blood are more prone to certain health conditions, such as heart disease and certain types of cancer.
A positive blood can also play a role in pregnancy. If a woman with A positive blood becomes pregnant with a foetus who has a different blood type, such as B positive or O positive, there is a risk of the mother’s immune system producing antibodies against the foetus’s blood. This can lead to haemolytic disease of the newborn, a condition where the foetus’s red blood cells are destroyed and can result in anaemia, jaundice, and even brain damage.
Despite the potential risks, A positive blood donors are always in high demand. Blood donations can save lives and help those in need, and even a single donation can potentially help multiple people. So if you have A positive blood and are able to donate, consider making a life-saving contribution to your community.
Knowing Your Blood Type
There are lots of ways to find out your blood type and it is vital that you know, in case of emergencies. If you do not know your blood group, you can contact your local medical surgery or blood donation center to make an appointment and try to find out. (Note: Your doctor may not be willing to give you a blood test when there is no medical need to do carry one out.)
A home blood type test that will let you know your blood type in just a few minutes. We suggest the eldon blood typing kit for this purpose.
Photo by Zoom Health / Anthony Cunningham
Zoom Health is a leading UK supplier of Home Health Tests and Earplugs
This post was originally published in November 2021 and has been regularly updated since.
