What is the unique feature of type O blood?

• A. It is a universal recipient
• B. It is a universal donor
• C. It has no antibodies
• D. It is rarer than other types

Answer: (B)

Type O blood lacks A and B antigens on the surface of red blood cells, so there’s nothing for A or B antibodies in a recipient to react against. That means type O red blood cells can be given to people of any ABO type, making it the universal donor for red blood cell transfusions. It’s also important to remember that individuals with type O have anti-A and anti-B antibodies in their plasma, so they can’t receive A, B, or AB blood. The universal recipient for red blood cells is AB, and rarity isn’t a defining feature of type O in all populations.