MCQ Detailed View

Human blood is classified into four major groups: A, B, AB, and O, based on the presence or absence of specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells. These antigens are proteins or sugars that help the immune system recognize blood cells. During blood transfusion, compatibility between donor and recipient blood types is very important to avoid harmful immune reactions.

Among the given options, a person with blood group AB is called the universal recipient. This is because individuals with blood group AB have both A and B antigens on their red blood cells and no anti-A or anti-B antibodies in their plasma. As a result, they can safely receive blood from any of the other groups (A, B, AB, or O) without their immune system attacking the donor blood cells.

Here’s why the other blood groups are not universal recipients:

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  Blood group A: Has A antigens and anti-B antibodies, so it cannot receive blood from B or AB groups.

  
  


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  Blood group B: Has B antigens and anti-A antibodies, so it cannot receive blood from A or AB groups.

  
  


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  Blood group O: Has no antigens but has both anti-A and anti-B antibodies, so it can only receive blood from O donors.

  
  

In contrast, blood group O negative (O-) is considered the universal donor, meaning its blood can be given to anyone because it has no antigens that would cause a reaction. But O type people cannot receive all blood types safely.

Blood group AB individuals can receive red blood cells from any group, making them vital in emergency transfusion cases where compatible blood may not be immediately available.

In summary, blood group AB is the correct answer because it can receive blood from all other groups due to the absence of antibodies against both A and B antigens.