What Blood Types Match for a Kidney Transplant?

Author: Mojdeh Jafarizadeh
medically reviewed by: Dr. shahrokh sakhaai

Oct 12 2026
latest update: Oct 12 2026

A brief summary of the article:

Blood group compatibility between the kidney donor and recipient is one of the factors that influence the success of a transplant. Compatibility does not necessarily mean that the two blood types must be identical: some groups, such as O-, are universal donors, while others, such as AB+, are universal recipients, and can exchange organs with other blood groups. In this article from Raadina Health, we look at the blood type matching required for kidney transplant surgery.

What Blood Types Match for a Kidney Transplant?

n a kidney transplant, the recipient's and donor’s blood types must match. This does not mean the blood types must be exactly the same. For example, people with O- blood type (universal donor) can donate to nearly all people, and people with AB+ blood type can receive a kidney from almost everyone. In this article, the Raadina Health team explains which blood types match for kidney transplantation, what the best blood type for a transplant is, and what the difference between getting a kidney from strangers and relatives is.

Why Is Blood Type Important in a Kidney Transplant?

When the donor and the patient have matching blood types, the risk of kidney rejection lowers, and the patient faces fewer complications after the surgery. If blood types are not compatible, the patient’s body makes antibodies against the new kidney and tries to destroy it. In such situations, the patient might need strong anti-rejection drugs (immunosuppressants) that suppress the immune system. These medications are made to keep the new kidney safe from the antibodies, but they can have negative effects on the body. Fortunately, when blood types are compatible, the transplanted kidney usually works better and lasts longer. Also, the patient might not need strong anti-rejection drugs.

Why is blood type important in kidney transplantation?

Matching Blood Types for a Kidney Transplant

Just like in blood donation, the donor and the patient should have matching blood types for kidney donation. Patients with AB+ blood type can receive a kidney from any donor, while patients with O- blood type can only receive a kidney from a donor with the same blood type. In the table below, you can see the best blood type matches for kidney transplant surgery.

+AB	-AB	+B	-B	+A	-A	+O	-O	Recipient’s blood type
							*	-O
						*	*	+O
					*		*	-A
				*	*	*	*	+A
			*				*	-B
		*	*			*	*	+B
	*		*		*		*	-AB
*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	+AB

The Best Blood Type for a Kidney Transplant

There is no best blood type for a kidney transplant. However, blood type O is a universal donor and can give a kidney to people with other blood types. Also, when the donor and the patient have the same blood type, the chance of success is higher. Blood type AB is a universal receiver and can get a kidney from all other blood types.

Based on new research, sometimes doctors can use a perfusion machine and special enzymes to remove A or B markers (antigens) from the donor kidney. This makes the kidney like blood type O for a short time, so the recipient’s body doesn’t attack the new organ right after the transplantation. This technique is still in clinical testing phases, but it can increase the success rate of kidney transplants and reduce waiting times for receiving a new organ.

The best blood type for kidney transplantation

Kidney transplant from Relatives vs. Strangers

Whether the donor is a family member or someone you do not know, a kidney transplant has the same success and rejection rate. Of course, a genetic disease is a deal breaker. In families with inherited diseases, getting a kidney from a relative may increase the risk of passing the genetic condition and worsen the situation.

Kidney Transplant with Incompatible Blood Types

Thanks to modern laboratory techniques and newer medications, kidney transplants can now be performed even when the donor and recipient have incompatible blood types. However, this type of procedure carries higher risks and requires more testing and careful management. For example, before the transplant, doctors must lower the antibodies in the patient’s blood and use an appropriate combination of immunosuppressive drugs. This helps reduce the risk of rejection and supports the long-term function of the new kidney.

In kidney transplants in Iran, as in many other countries, the decision to proceed with an incompatible blood type depends on the patient’s condition, the facilities of the medical center, and the assessment of the transplant team.

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FAQs

Which blood type is the most expensive for a kidney transplant?

People with blood type B usually should wait longer for a transplant because there are fewer donors with this blood type. Because of this long waiting list, the cost of getting a kidney may be higher for them.

What is the rarest blood type for a kidney transplant?

Blood type AB is the rarest blood type for a kidney transplant.

Is blood type O+ suitable for a kidney transplant?

Yes. Blood type O+ can donate a kidney to all patients with RhD+ blood type.

Mojdeh Jafarizadeh

Mojdeh Jafarizadeh has been a medical content writer and editor at Radina Salamat for over four years. She relies on reputable international scientific sources and direct consultation with the team’s doctors, nurses, and midwives to create accurate, up-to-date, and reader-friendly articles in the fields of health and treatment. Thanks to her strong background in English, she also supervises Radina Salamat’s English content, ensuring high scientific and linguistic quality for users both in Iran and abroad.