Asked by coolman 2081739 on Sep 24, 2024

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Why is type O blood called the universal donor?

A) Because everyone with type O blood is Rh-, and therefore, this blood type cannot initiate any transfusion reactions
B) Because type O blood plasma does not contain anti-A or anti-B antibodies, so it can be transfused into recipients of any blood type
C) Because everyone with type O blood is Rh+, like most of the population, so this blood type is compatible with all others
D) Because type O red blood cells contain neither antigen A nor antigen B, so they can be transfused into most recipients of any blood type, without being attacked by antibodies
E) It is not well understood why type O blood can be transfused into people with all blood types.

Universal Donor

Refers to individuals with O-negative blood type, whose red blood cells can be transferred in a transfusion to individuals of any other blood type without causing an adverse reaction.

Anti-B Antibodies

Antibodies present in the plasma of individuals with blood type A, which react against B antigens in red blood cells.

Antigen A

A specific type of antigen on the surface of red blood cells, determining part of an individual's blood type in the ABO system.

  • Grasp the concept of universal donor and recipient blood types and their implications for blood transfusion.
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JT
Janique Thomas4 days ago
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
Type O red blood cells lack both A and B antigens, making them compatible with recipients of any blood type since they won't be targeted by the recipient's immune system.