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What is considered the universal blood donor type?

  1. A

  2. B

  3. AB

  4. O

The correct answer is: O

The universal blood donor type is O because it lacks A and B antigens on the surface of its red blood cells. This means that when O blood is transfused to individuals with any other blood type (A, B, AB, or O), it will not trigger an immune response because there are no foreign antigens present that the recipient's immune system can recognize and attack. This characteristic makes O type blood particularly valuable in emergency situations where blood type compatibility is uncertain. Those with type O negative blood are often referred to as universal donors because their blood can be given to any patient without risking a transfusion reaction, making it a crucial resource in medical settings. Understanding the significance of blood types and their compatibility is vital not only for safe transfusions but also for the effective management of blood supplies in healthcare.