Which blood type is considered the universal recipient?

Which blood type is considered the universal recipient?

• A. A
• B. B
• C. AB
• D. O

Answer: (C)

AB blood type is considered the universal recipient because individuals who have this blood type can receive blood from any other blood type without the risk of a transfusion reaction. This is due to the presence of both A and B antigens on the surface of the red blood cells, meaning that they do not produce antibodies against A or B antigens. As a result, when receiving blood, AB individuals do not have an immune response to A or B blood types, making them compatible with any donor's blood type. In contrast, blood types O, A, and B can only receive specific compatible blood without risking an adverse reaction due to their respective antibodies. Therefore, AB is uniquely positioned to accept all blood types, making them the universal recipient.

AB blood type is considered the universal recipient because individuals who have this blood type can receive blood from any other blood type without the risk of a transfusion reaction. This is due to the presence of both A and B antigens on the surface of the red blood cells, meaning that they do not produce antibodies against A or B antigens. As a result, when receiving blood, AB individuals do not have an immune response to A or B blood types, making them compatible with any donor's blood type.

In contrast, blood types O, A, and B can only receive specific compatible blood without risking an adverse reaction due to their respective antibodies. Therefore, AB is uniquely positioned to accept all blood types, making them the universal recipient.