Which blood type is known as the universal recipient?

• A. A
• B. B
• C. AB
• D. O

Answer: (C)

AB blood type is known as the universal recipient because individuals with this blood type do not produce antibodies against A or B antigens. This means they can safely receive blood from all other blood types (A, B, AB, and O) without the risk of an immune response against the transfused blood.

In more detail, blood types are determined by the presence or absence of antigens on the surface of red blood cells. Type A blood has A antigens, type B has B antigens, type AB has both A and B antigens, and type O has neither. Individuals with type AB blood can accept any type of donor blood because they lack the corresponding antibodies (anti-A or anti-B) that could react with transfused blood cells. Therefore, when considering compatibility for blood transfusions, AB is recognized as the universal recipient type.