PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
PSC Miscellaneous Prelims 2018
Answer
Person having O group blood
Explanation
A person with blood group 'O' is known as a 'Universal Donor'. This is because O-type blood lacks both A and B antigens on the surface of its red blood cells. Thus, it can be safely transfused to individuals with any blood type (A, B, AB, or O) without triggering an immune reaction. Conversely, individuals with blood group 'AB' are considered 'Universal Recipients'. Specifically, the true universal donor is 'O-negative' (O-).
Key Points
- > Blood group 'O' contains neither A nor B antigens.
- > The ABO blood group system was discovered by Karl Landsteiner in 1900.
- > Blood group 'AB' is known as the 'Universal Recipient'.
- > Blood group 'AB' contains neither anti-A nor anti-B antibodies in the plasma.
- > Specifically, 'O Negative (O-)' is the exact universal donor type.
- > The Rh factor was discovered by Landsteiner and Wiener in Rhesus monkeys.
- > The normal pH of human blood is slightly alkaline, at 7.4.
Additional Information
Blood Groups and Transfusion Rules
| Blood Group | Antigens on RBC | Antibodies in Plasma | Can Donate To | Can Receive From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | A | Anti-B | A, AB | A, O |
| B | B | Anti-A | B, AB | B, O |
| AB | A and B | None | AB only | A, B, AB, O (All) |
| O | None | Anti-A, Anti-B | A, B, AB, O (All) | O only |
Memory Tips
- Donor matching: The word dOnOr has two 'O's. Hence, group 'O' is the universal donor.
- Recipient matching: AB has both antigens, so it can accept anything (Universal Acceptor).