Question

Which of the following blood groups is a universal recipient in blood transfusion? (a) Group \(A B\) (b) Group \(\underline{B}\) (c) Group \(A\) (d) Group 0

Short answer

Group AB is the universal recipient in blood transfusion.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Blood Group Compatibility

Identify and understand the concept behind a universal recipient. A universal recipient is an individual whose blood type allows them to receive blood from any other blood type without causing an immune response. The key to this property is the presence of both A and B antigens on the surface of the red blood cells, and no anti-A or anti-B antibodies in the plasma.

Identify the Universal Recipient

Examine each blood group option to determine which one has both A and B antigens, and lacks anti-A or anti-B antibodies. Group AB has both A and B antigens on the surface of its red blood cells and does not have anti-A or anti-B antibodies in its plasma. Therefore, it can receive blood from groups A, B, AB, and O without complications.

Choosing the Correct Option

Among the given options, pick the blood group that matches the criteria for a universal recipient. Group AB is the only group that can safely receive all types of blood, making it the universal recipient.

Key concepts

Blood Group Compatibility

Blood group compatibility is a crucial concept in medical science, particularly when it comes to blood transfusions. It is based on the presence or absence of certain antigens on the surface of red blood cells, and antibodies in the blood plasma.

There are four main blood groups – A, B, AB, and O, which are determined by the specific antigens present on the red blood cells. Group A has A antigens, Group B has B antigens, Group AB has both A and B antigens, and Group O has neither.

In addition to antigens, our plasma contains antibodies that attack foreign antigens. For example, Group A blood will have anti-B antibodies, and Group B will have anti-A antibodies. This means that receiving blood with incompatible antigens can lead to an immune reaction, which can be life-threatening.

For a blood transfusion to be successful, it's essential to match the recipient's blood group with a compatible donor. Incompatibility can result in serious complications, such as hemolysis, where the immune system destroys the donated blood cells.

AB Blood Group

The AB blood group is unique and carries a significant advantage when it comes to blood transfusions. People with this blood type have red blood cells with both A and B antigens, and their plasma does not contain anti-A or anti-B antibodies.

This absence of antibodies means that individuals with the AB blood group can receive red blood cells from any other blood group (A, B, AB, or O) without the risk of an adverse reaction to the donated blood's antigens. It's precisely this trait that makes them universal recipients.

However, it's important to note that while people with AB blood can receive all types of red blood cells, they aren't universal donors. When it comes to plasma donations, the scenario is reversed – AB plasma can be problematic to other blood types since AB blood may contain antibodies that other blood types don't have.

Blood Transfusion

A blood transfusion is a common medical procedure in which blood is given to a patient through an intravenous (IV) line in one of their blood vessels. Transfusions are used to replace lost components of the blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, or platelets.

It's not just about transferring blood from one person to another; it's a process that requires careful compatibility testing called crossmatching. This step ensures that the donor's blood does not have antigens that will react adversely with the recipient's antibodies.

Once compatibility is ensured, safe transfusions can significantly help patients suffering from anemia, those undergoing surgery, or those injured in accidents. Nevertheless, meticulous checks are always in place to prevent transfusion reactions that can occur if incompatible blood is administered.