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People with blood groups O and B negative are being asked to donate blood, as stocks for both types have hit their lowest levels in four years.
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) said blood group O negative was vital, as it could be used for patients with other blood groups in an emergency.
It said O negative blood made up 12% of transfers, although only 7% of people in the UK had that blood type.
Meanwhile, B negative blood is needed for ethnic groups.
The NHSBT said ethnic minority groups, who were more likely to have B negative blood, were more prone to sickle cell anaemia, where misshapen blood cells could block blood vessels, causing an early death.
It also said such groups were more at risk of developing thalassemia, a group of inherited blood disorders that hindered the blood's ability to carry oxygen to the lungs.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-26577766
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) said blood group O negative was vital, as it could be used for patients with other blood groups in an emergency.
It said O negative blood made up 12% of transfers, although only 7% of people in the UK had that blood type.
Meanwhile, B negative blood is needed for ethnic groups.
The NHSBT said ethnic minority groups, who were more likely to have B negative blood, were more prone to sickle cell anaemia, where misshapen blood cells could block blood vessels, causing an early death.
It also said such groups were more at risk of developing thalassemia, a group of inherited blood disorders that hindered the blood's ability to carry oxygen to the lungs.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-26577766