Who is classified as the universal blood recipient?

The classification of the universal blood recipient is AB blood type. Individuals with AB blood type can receive blood from any other blood type: A, B, AB, or O. This is due to the presence of both A and B antigens on the surface of their red blood cells, which means they do not produce antibodies against either A or B antigens. As a result, they can accept blood from anyone without risk of an incompatible reaction.

In contrast, other blood types have specific antibodies that would react against A or B antigens if those were introduced into the bloodstream. For instance, type O blood has neither A nor B antigens and can be given to anyone, but individuals with type O blood can only receive type O blood, making them universal donors rather than recipients. Hence, AB is recognized as the universal recipient because of this compatibility with all blood types.