A person of which blood group is known as a universal donor?

Appeared in: UPPSC-2021

Explanation

Individuals with blood group O are known as universal donors.
Their red blood cells (RBCs) lack both A and B antigens on their surface.
This prevents an immune reaction (agglutination) when transfused into individuals with other blood types (A, B, or AB).
Specifically, O-negative blood is the true universal donor as it also lacks the RhD antigen, making it safe for both Rh-positive and Rh-negative recipients.

Option A: Blood group A has A antigens on its red blood cells and anti-B antibodies in the plasma. It cannot be given to a person with blood group B or O.
Option B: Blood group B has B antigens on its red blood cells and anti-A antibodies in the plasma. It cannot be given to a person with blood group A or O.
Option C: Blood group AB has both A and B antigens on its red blood cells and no antibodies in the plasma. This makes them the universal recipient for red blood cells, not the universal donor.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Blood groups and transfusion compatibility helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
In emergency situations where a patient's blood type is unknown, O-negative blood is transfused to prevent a life-threatening transfusion reaction.
Nurses are responsible for verifying blood compatibility before any transfusion. This involves a two-person check of the blood product against the patient's identification and the physician's order.
What if the patient needed plasma instead of red blood cells? The roles would be reversed. A person with AB blood type would be the universal plasma donor because their plasma lacks both anti-A and anti-B antibodies.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'universal donor'.
Recall the principles of the ABO blood group system, specifically which antigens and antibodies are present in each blood type.
Remember that a 'donor' provides blood. For a donation to be 'universal', the donor's red blood cells must not have any antigens that would react with the recipient's antibodies.
Identify the blood group that lacks both A and B antigens on its red blood cells. This is blood group O.
Therefore, select O as the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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