Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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My Grandson is a Universal Donor! I was writing one of my Thoughts on the subject of blood. In that piece, I mentioned the need for O-negative blood donations. I related this to my grandson, Jayden, Who immediately said he has that exact type. Being curious, I researched the topic further. Indeed, O-negative is 'universal' for red blood cell donations. By lacking A, B, and Rh antigens it can be given Safely to those of any blood type without Triggering a life-threatening immunine reaction. On the other hand, AB-positive is the universal recipient, Which can receive blood cells of any blood type. In addition, AB-positive and AB-negative are Known as the universal donors for plasma. On the downside, those with O-negative blood, Can receive only O-negative blood from a donor! O-negative blood is always in short supply Because only about 7% of the population has that type. To add to this burden, medical teams rely heavily on O-negative for newborn care, trauma, and surgeries, When there is little time to test a patient's blood type. As with life, there are wonderful 'perfects,' But, as with life, there is often a down-side. Frank Maurer 4 August 2026 1140 Hours.