--- title: Researchers Discover How to Convert Types A & B Blood into Type O description: To provide an additional source of universal red blood cells, researchers have been looking for a means to convert A, B, and AB blood into type O for years. Finding a reliable and cost-effective method has proven to be challenging. However, there is a new approach that looks promising. image: https://blog.helmerinc.com/hubfs/Images/Blood%20Bank/converting%20blood%20to%20o-blog.jpg --- [![Helmer](https://blog.helmerinc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HelmerScientific_September2019%20Theme/Images/helmer_logo.png?width=222&height=59&name=helmer_logo.png)](https://www.helmerinc.com/) - [Helmer Store](https://www.helmerinc.com/search?search%5B0%5D=product_category%3Adisposables&search%5B1%5D=product_category%3Aparts_and_accessories) - [Help Center](https://www.helmerinc.com/knowledge-center) - [Blog](https://blog.helmerinc.com/) - [Manuals](https://www.helmerinc.com/manuals) - [Distributor Resources](https://www.helmerinc.com/distributor-resources) - [Contact Us](https://www.helmerinc.com/contact-us) - [Request Quote](https://www.helmerinc.com/quote-request) - [Products](https://www.helmerinc.com/helmer-products) - - [Refrigerators](https://www.helmerinc.com/) - [Pharmacy Refrigerators](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/pharmacy-refrigerators) - [Vaccine Refrigerators](https://www.helmerinc.com/vaccine-refrigerators) - [Blood Bank Refrigerators](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/blood-bank-refrigerators) - [Laboratory Refrigerators](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/laboratory-refrigerators) - [Freezers](https://www.helmerinc.com/) - [Vaccine Freezers](https://www.helmerinc.com/vaccine-refrigerators) - [Plasma Freezers](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/plasma-freezers) - [Laboratory Freezers](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/laboratory-freezers-30degc) - [Ultra-Low Freezers](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/ultra-low-temperature-freezers-80degc) - [Blood Bank](https://www.helmerinc.com/) - [Platelet Storage](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/platelet-storage-systems) - [Plasma Thawers](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/plasma-thawers) - [Cell Washer](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/cell-washer) - [Centrifuges](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/centrifuges) - [More](https://www.helmerinc.com/) - [Service Plans](https://www.helmerinc.com/custom-service-partnerships) - [GX Solutions](https://www.helmerinc.com/gx-solutions) - [Vaccine Storage](https://www.helmerinc.com/pharmacy-vaccine-refrigerators-freezers) - [Parts & Accessories](https://www.helmerinc.com/search?search%5B0%5D=product_category%3Adisposables&search%5B1%5D=product_category%3Aparts_and_accessories) - [Custom Products](https://www.helmerinc.com/custom-products) - [All Products](https://www.helmerinc.com/helmer-products) - [Applications](https://www.helmerinc.com/) - - [For Blood Bank](https://www.helmerinc.com/search?search%5B0%5D=apps%3A206&search%5B1%5D=apps%3A211) - [Blood Bank | Transfusion Service](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/blood-bank-transfusion-service) - [Blood Center](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/blood-center) - [For Laboratory](https://www.helmerinc.com/search?search%5B0%5D=apps%3A201&search%5B1%5D=apps%3A216&search%5B2%5D=apps%3A221) - [Clinical Laboratory](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/clinical-laboratory) - [Physician's Office](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/physician-office) - [Tissue Storage](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/tissue-storage) - [For Pharmacy](https://www.helmerinc.com/search?search%5B0%5D=apps%3A161&search%5B1%5D=apps%3A166&search%5B2%5D=apps%3A171&search%5B3%5D=apps%3A176) - [Hospital Pharmacy](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/hospital-pharmacy) - [Specialty Pharmacy](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/specialty-pharmacy) - [Outpatient Care](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/outpatient-care) - [Patient Care Areas](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/patient-care-areas) - [Retail Pharmacy](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/retail-pharmacy) - [For Life Sciences](https://www.helmerinc.com/search?search%5B0%5D=apps%3A181&search%5B1%5D=apps%3A186&search%5B2%5D=apps%3A191&search%5B3%5D=apps%3A196) - [Biopharma & Biotech](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/biopharma-biotech) - [Biorepository](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/biorepository) - [Industrial](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/industrial) - [University & Goverment](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/university-government) - [Support](https://www.helmerinc.com/) - [Get a Quote](https://www.helmerinc.com/quote-request) - [Knowledge Center](https://www.helmerinc.com/knowledge-center) - [Technical Support](https://www.helmerinc.com/technical-support) - [Supplier Resources](https://www.helmerinc.com/supplier-resources) - [Regulatory & Compliance](https://www.helmerinc.com/regulatory-compliance) - [Distributor Locator](https://www.helmerinc.com/distributor-locator) - [Manuals](https://www.helmerinc.com/manuals) - [Helmer Store](https://www.helmerinc.com/search?search%5B0%5D=product_category%3Aparts_and_accessories) - [Company](https://www.helmerinc.com/about-us) - [About Us](https://www.helmerinc.com/about-us) - [Contact](https://www.helmerinc.com/contact-us) - [Blog](https://blog.helmerinc.com/) - [Careers](https://www.helmerinc.com/careers) - [Tradeshows](https://www.helmerinc.com/tradeshow-schedule) - [Responsibility](https://www.helmerinc.com/) - [Generosity](https://www.helmerinc.com/making-impact) - [Safety & Wellness](https://www.helmerinc.com/safety-and-wellness) - [Sustainability](https://www.helmerinc.com/sustainability) - - ## Recent Viewed Product [![Helmer Cold Storage Image](https://blog.helmerinc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HelmerScientific_September2019%20Theme/Images/ilr245-c.png?width=75&height=100&name=ilr245-c.png) i.Series® Double Door Laboratory Refrigerator](https://www.helmerinc.com/products/iseriesr-double-door-laboratory-refrigerator-ilr245) - [Products](https://www.helmerinc.com/helmer-products) - [Refrigerators](https://www.helmerinc.com/) - [Pharmacy Refrigerators](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/pharmacy-refrigerators) - [Blood Bank Refrigerators](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/blood-bank-refrigerators) - [Laboratory Refrigerators](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/laboratory-refrigerators) - [Freezers](https://www.helmerinc.com/) - [Vaccine Freezers](https://www.helmerinc.com/vaccine-refrigerators) - [Plasma Freezers](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/plasma-freezers) - [Laboratory Freezers](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/laboratory-freezers-30degc) - [ULT Freezers](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/ultra-low-freezers-80degc) - [Blood Bank](https://www.helmerinc.com/) - [Platelet Storage](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/platelet-storage-systems) - [Plasma Thawers](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/plasma-thawers) - [Cell Washer](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/cell-washer) - [Centrifuges](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/centrifuges) - [Other](https://www.helmerinc.com/) - [Parts & Accessories](https://www.helmerinc.com/search?search%5B0%5D=product_category%3Adisposables&search%5B1%5D=product_category%3Aparts_and_accessories) - [Custom Products](https://www.helmerinc.com/custom-products) - [All Products](https://www.helmerinc.com/helmer-products) - [Applications](https://www.helmerinc.com/) - [For Blood Bank](https://www.helmerinc.com/search?search%5B0%5D=apps%3A206&search%5B1%5D=apps%3A211) - [Blood Bank | Transfusion Service](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/blood-bank-transfusion-service) - [Blood Center](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/blood-center) - [For Laboratory](https://www.helmerinc.com/search?search%5B0%5D=apps%3A201&search%5B1%5D=apps%3A216&search%5B2%5D=apps%3A221) - [Clinical Laboratory](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/clinical-laboratory) - [Physician's Office](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/physician-office) - [Tissue Storage](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/tissue-storage) - [For Pharmacy](https://www.helmerinc.com/search?search%5B0%5D=apps%3A161&search%5B1%5D=apps%3A166&search%5B2%5D=apps%3A171&search%5B3%5D=apps%3A176) - [Hospital Pharmacy](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/hospital-pharmacy) - [Specialty Pharmacy](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/specialty-pharmacy) - [Outpatient Care](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/outpatient-care) - [Patient Care Areas](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/patient-care-areas) - [Retail Pharmacy](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/retail-pharmacy) - [For Life Sciences](https://www.helmerinc.com/search?search%5B0%5D=apps%3A181&search%5B1%5D=apps%3A186&search%5B2%5D=apps%3A191&search%5B3%5D=apps%3A196) - [Biopharma & Biotech](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/biopharma-biotech) - [Biorepository](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/biorepository) - [Industrial](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/industrial) - [University & Goverment](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/university-government) - [Support](https://www.helmerinc.com/) - [Get a Quote](https://www.helmerinc.com/quote-request) - [Knowledge Center](https://www.helmerinc.com/knowledge-center) - [Technical Support](https://www.helmerinc.com/technical-support) - [Purchasing Organizations](https://www.helmerinc.com/purchasing-organizations) - [Supplier Resources](https://www.helmerinc.com/supplier-resources) - [Regulatory & Compliance](https://www.helmerinc.com/regulatory-compliance) - [Distributor Locator](https://www.helmerinc.com/distributor-locator) - [Helmer Store](https://www.helmerinc.com/search?search%5B0%5D=product_category%3Aparts_and_accessories) - [Company](https://www.helmerinc.com/about-us) - [About Us](https://www.helmerinc.com/about-us) - [Contact](https://www.helmerinc.com/contact-us) - [Blog](https://blog.helmerinc.com/) - [Careers](https://www.helmerinc.com/careers) - [Tradeshows](https://www.helmerinc.com/tradeshow-schedule) - [Responsibility](https://www.helmerinc.com/) - [Generosity](https://www.helmerinc.com/making-impact) - [Safety & Wellness](https://www.helmerinc.com/safety-and-wellness) - [Sustainability](https://www.helmerinc.com/sustainability) - [Store](https://www.helmerinc.com/search?search%5B0%5D=product_category%3Adisposables&search%5B1%5D=product_category%3Aparts_and_accessories) - [Help Center](https://www.helmerinc.com/knowledge-center) - [Blog](https://blog.helmerinc.com/) - [Manuals](https://www.helmerinc.com/manuals) - [Distributor Resources](https://www.helmerinc.com/distributor-resources) - [Contact Us](https://www.helmerinc.com/contact-us) - [Request Quote](https://www.helmerinc.com/quote-request) Keyword Keyword [View All](https://blog.helmerinc.com/) - [Pharmacy (296)](https://blog.helmerinc.com/topic/pharmacy) - [Clinical Laboratory (263)](https://blog.helmerinc.com/topic/clinical-laboratory) - [Blood Bank (237)](https://blog.helmerinc.com/topic/blood-bank) - [Vaccine Storage (216)](https://blog.helmerinc.com/topic/vaccine-storage) - [News & Events (74)](https://blog.helmerinc.com/topic/news-events) - [Helmer Generosity (54)](https://blog.helmerinc.com/topic/helmer-generosity) - [Life Science Research (48)](https://blog.helmerinc.com/topic/life-science-research) - [Service (27)](https://blog.helmerinc.com/topic/service) ### Subscribe to Our Newsletter --- ##### [Shop Now](https://www.helmerinc.com/search?search%5B0%5D=product_category%3Adisposables&search%5B1%5D=product_category%3Aparts_and_accessories) - [**Blue**View](https://blog.helmerinc.com) - Researchers Discover How to Convert Types A & B Blood into Type O # Researchers Discover How to Convert Types A & B Blood into Type O Posted on Oct 24, 2018 by Colleen Holtkamp ![converting blood to o-blog](https://blog.helmerinc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Blood%20Bank/converting%20blood%20to%20o-blog.jpg?width=700&name=converting%20blood%20to%20o-blog.jpg) Blood transfusions must be compatible with the recipient’s blood type. If the blood is not compatible, the patient’s immune system attacks the transfused red blood cells, causing a potentially fatal transfusion reaction. This would be the case if someone with type A blood received type B blood (or the reverse). The patient’s body would produce antibodies to attack the red blood cells that have antigens that don’t match. The exception is type O blood, often referred to as the “universal donor.” Type O red blood cells don’t have antigens, which means they can be transfused to patients of any blood type. This means that there is high demand for type O blood (specifically type O blood that is Rh negative, the true universal donor). To provide an additional source of universal red blood cells, researchers have been looking for a means to convert A, B, and AB blood into type O for years. Finding a reliable and cost-effective method has proven to be challenging. However, there is a new approach that looks promising. Scientists have now identified a group of enzymes that appear to be capable of efficiently trimming A and B antigens from red blood cells to produce type O blood. The enzymes, which are derived from gut bacteria, are up to 30 times more efficient than previously studied enzymes. The true effectiveness of this approach can only be proven by testing the converted blood in the human body. The hope is that this discovery can eventually be further explored in clinical trials. If this approach were to succeed, it could help address the challenge of blood shortages by increasing the supply of universal donor blood. At Helmer Scientific, we are always pleased to learn about developments that may ultimately benefit those who look after the blood supply and the patients that they serve. We have offered high quality [blood storage equipment](https://www.helmerinc.com/products/blood-banktransfusion-service.html) for 40 years and are here to support your efforts to properly store and monitor your blood products. [![Read the Article »](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1862406/7aec38d2-725e-46ec-9370-fd62650ea68f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1862406/7aec38d2-725e-46ec-9370-fd62650ea68f) ![Colleen Holtkamp](https://blog.helmerinc.com/hubfs/Blog/authors/ColleenHoltkamp.jpg) ### Written by [Colleen Holtkamp](https://blog.helmerinc.com/author/colleen-holtkamp) Helmer designs, manufactures, and markets specialized medical and laboratory equipment to customers in more than 125 countries. With an extensive background in Helmer products, Colleen’s focus is on the Clinical Laboratory and Blood Bank segments. #### Share or write a comment! [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.helmerinc.com%2Fresearchers-discover-how-to-convert-a-b-blood-type-o%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.helmerinc.com%2Fresearchers-discover-how-to-convert-a-b-blood-type-o%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) ### Subscribe to Our BlueView Blog ### Subscribe to Our Newsletter --- ### Recent Posts --- [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.helmerinc.com%2Fresearchers-discover-how-to-convert-a-b-blood-type-o%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.helmerinc.com%2Fresearchers-discover-how-to-convert-a-b-blood-type-o%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Helmer](https://blog.helmerinc.com/hubfs/HelmerScientific_September2019%20Theme/Images/helmer_logo.png)](https://www.helmerinc.com/) [About Helmer Scientific](https://www.helmerinc.com/about-us) - [Regulatory & Compliance](https://www.helmerinc.com/regulatory-compliance) - [About Us](https://www.helmerinc.com/about-us) - [Blog](https://blog.helmerinc.com/) - [Generosity](https://www.helmerinc.com/making-impact) - [Careers](https://www.helmerinc.com/careers) - [Contact Us](https://www.helmerinc.com/contact-us) [Support & Resources](https://www.helmerinc.com/knowledge-center) - [Knowledge Center](https://www.helmerinc.com/knowledge-center) - [Distributor Locator](https://www.helmerinc.com/distributor-locator) - [Distributor Resources](https://www.helmerinc.com/distributor-resources) - [Request a Quote](https://www.helmerinc.com/quote-request) - [Submit Service Request](https://www.helmerinc.com/technical-support) - [Supplier Resources](https://www.helmerinc.com/supplier-resources) - [Helmer Store](https://www.helmerinc.com/search?search%5B0%5D=product_category%3Adisposables&search%5B1%5D=product_category%3Aparts_and_accessories) [Products](https://www.helmerinc.com/helmer-products) - [Pharmacy Refrigerators](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/pharmacy-refrigerators) - [Vaccine Refrigerators](https://www.helmerinc.com/vaccine-refrigerators) - [Blood Bank Refrigerators](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/blood-bank-refrigerators) - [Laboratory Refrigerators](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/laboratory-refrigerators) - [Laboratory Freezers](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/laboratory-freezers-30degc) - [Vaccine Freezers](https://www.helmerinc.com/pharmacy-vaccine-refrigerators-freezers) - [Plasma Freezers](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/plasma-freezers) - [ULT Freezers](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/ultra-low-freezers-80degc) - [Platelet Storage](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/platelet-storage-systems) - [Plasma Thawers](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/plasma-thawers) - [Cell Washer](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/cell-washer) - [Centrifuges](https://www.helmerinc.com/product-types/centrifuges) - [Custom Products](https://www.helmerinc.com/custom-products) - [Helmer Store](https://www.helmerinc.com/search?search%5B0%5D=product_category%3Adisposables&search%5B1%5D=product_category%3Aparts_and_accessories) [For Laboratory](https://www.helmerinc.com/search?search%5B0%5D=apps%3A201&search%5B1%5D=apps%3A206&search%5B2%5D=apps%3A211&search%5B3%5D=apps%3A216&search%5B4%5D=apps%3A221) - [Clinical Laboratory](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/clinical-laboratory) - [Blood Bank | Transfusion Service](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/blood-bank-transfusion-service) - [Blood Center](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/blood-center) - [Physician's Office](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/physician-office) - [Tissue Storage](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/tissue-storage) [For Pharmacy](https://www.helmerinc.com/search?search%5B0%5D=apps%3A161&search%5B1%5D=apps%3A166&search%5B2%5D=apps%3A171&search%5B3%5D=apps%3A176) - [Hospital Pharmacy](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/hospital-pharmacy) - [Specialty Pharmacy](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/specialty-pharmacy) - [Outpatient Care](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/outpatient-care) - [Patient Care Areas](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/patient-care-areas) - [Retail Pharmacy](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/retail-pharmacy) [For Life Sciences](https://www.helmerinc.com/search?search%5B0%5D=apps%3A181&search%5B1%5D=apps%3A186&search%5B2%5D=apps%3A191&search%5B3%5D=apps%3A196) - [BioPharma & BioTech](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/biopharma-biotech) - [BioRepository](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/biorepository) - [Industrial](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/industrial) - [University & Government](https://www.helmerinc.com/applications/university-government) Copyright 2024 Helmer Scientific Inc. - [Terms of Use](https://www.helmerinc.com/terms-use) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.helmerinc.com/privacy-policy) - [Sales Terms & Conditions](https://www.helmerinc.com/sales-terms-conditions) - [Contact Us](https://www.helmerinc.com/contact-us) - [800-743-5637](tel:8007435637) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Colleen Holtkamp", "url" : "https://blog.helmerinc.com/author/colleen-holtkamp" }, "dateModified" : "2018-10-24T14:30:08.065Z", "datePublished" : "2018-10-24T14:30:00.000Z", "headline" : "Researchers Discover How to Convert Types A & B Blood into Type O", "image" : [ "https://blog.helmerinc.com/hubfs/Images/Blood%20Bank/converting%20blood%20to%20o-blog.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.helmerinc.com/researchers-discover-how-to-convert-a-b-blood-type-o", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.helmerinc.com/hubfs/logo.png" }, "name" : "Helmer Scientific" } } ```