Blood group which is known as universal donor is?

Appeared in: ESIC Nursing Officer 2016 (Shift -2)

Explanation

O negative blood is the universal donor because its red blood cells lack A, B, and RhD antigens on their surface.
The absence of these antigens prevents the recipient's immune system from recognizing the transfused cells as foreign, thus avoiding an immune attack (hemolytic transfusion reaction).
This characteristic makes O negative blood the safest choice for emergency transfusions when the patient's blood type is unknown.

Option B: While O positive blood lacks A and B antigens, it possesses the Rh (D) antigen. Transfusing it to an Rh-negative person can cause sensitization and a future transfusion reaction.
Option C: This option is incorrect because O positive blood is not a universal donor due to the presence of the Rh antigen, making it incompatible with Rh-negative recipients.
Option D: The AB blood group is known as the 'universal recipient' (specifically AB positive), not the universal donor. Their red blood cells have both A and B antigens, which would trigger reactions in non-AB recipients.

Visual 1: Diagram: Blood Transfusion Compatibility Chart. This visual illustrates which blood types can donate to and receive from others, clearly highlighting the unique roles of O negative (universal donor) and AB positive (universal recipient).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Universal Blood Donor and Blood Group Compatibility helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
In emergency and trauma situations where there is no time for blood typing, O-negative packed red blood cells are transfused to prevent life-threatening delays.
Nurses must follow strict protocols for verifying blood compatibility (typing and cross-matching) before any non-emergency transfusion to prevent potentially fatal hemolytic reactions.
What if? If the patient is a known O-positive recipient, O-positive blood is generally preferred over O-negative to conserve the limited supply of universal donor blood for true emergencies and Rh-negative patients.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept being tested, which is 'universal donor'.
Recall the definition: A universal donor's red blood cells must lack the major antigens that could trigger an immune reaction in any recipient.
Consider the two main blood group systems: ABO (A and B antigens) and Rh (D antigen).
Evaluate the options based on these systems. The 'O' blood group lacks both A and B antigens.
The 'negative' Rh status means the blood also lacks the D (Rh) antigen.
Conclude that O negative is the only blood type that lacks all three major antigens (A, B, Rh), making it the true universal donor.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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