Person of which blood group is known as universal donor?

UPPSC 2023

Applied Physiology

Easy

Appeared in: UPPSC 2023

Explanation

Individuals with blood group O are known as universal donors.
This is because their red blood cells (RBCs) lack both A and B surface antigens.
The absence of these antigens prevents their RBCs from being attacked by antibodies in the recipient's plasma, making it safe for transfusion to any ABO blood type.
While O group plasma contains both anti-A and anti-B antibodies, in packed red blood cell transfusions, most of the plasma is removed, minimizing the risk.

Option A: Blood group A has A antigens on its red blood cells. These antigens will trigger an immune reaction if transfused into a person with blood group B or O, who have anti-A antibodies.
Option B: Blood group B has B antigens on its red blood cells. These antigens will trigger an immune reaction if transfused into a person with blood group A or O, who have anti-B antibodies.
Option C: Blood group AB has both A and B antigens on its red blood cells. This makes it the universal recipient, not the universal donor. Their blood can only be given to other AB individuals.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing ABO Blood Group System 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 and they require immediate transfusion, O-negative packed red blood cells are used. This is the safest option as it lacks both ABO and RhD antigens, minimizing the risk of a life-threatening transfusion reaction.
Nurses play a critical role in ensuring blood transfusion safety by verifying patient and blood product identification, monitoring for transfusion reactions, and educating patients.
What if? If the question asked for the 'universal plasma donor', the answer would be AB. This is because AB plasma does not contain anti-A or anti-B antibodies and can be safely transfused to individuals of any ABO blood type.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the key term in the question: 'universal donor'.
Recall the definition of a universal donor in the context of blood transfusion: a person whose blood can be given to people with any other blood type.
Think about the underlying principle of blood compatibility: the interaction between antigens on the donor's red blood cells and antibodies in the recipient's plasma.
For a donor to be 'universal', their red blood cells must not have any antigens that could be attacked by the recipient's antibodies. The major antigens are A and B.
Evaluate the options: Blood group A has A antigens, B has B antigens, and AB has both. Only blood group O has neither A nor B antigens on its red blood cells.
Conclude that blood group O meets the criteria for a universal donor.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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