What is the universal recipient blood type?

The universal recipient blood type is AB. Individuals with AB blood type possess both A and B antigens on the surface of their red blood cells, which means they can accept blood from any other blood type (A, B, AB, or O) without experiencing an immune reaction. This is because they do not produce anti-A or anti-B antibodies that would otherwise attack transfused blood with incompatible antigens.

This characteristic makes AB blood type particularly valuable in blood transfusions, as those with AB can receive red blood cells from a wider range of donors compared to other blood types. In contrast, type O individuals can donate to anyone but can only receive type O blood, making them the universal donor rather than the universal recipient. Types A and B have their own specific compatibilities that limit their ability to receive blood from all groups, solidifying AB as the universal recipient.