Q. Which of the following blood groups is universal donor?
AMUAMU 2002
Solution:
Blood groups are specialized characteristic of blood in human due to presence of controlled antigen and antibody. Blood groups are of four types $A, B, A B$ and $O$. Three of the four blood groups ($A, B$ and $O$) were discovered by Landsteiner $(1900)$, a German biochemist, AB blood group was discovered later by his student de Castello and Steini $(1902)$.
Blood transfusion compatibilities for the $ABO$ blood group.
Blood group
Antigen present
Antibody present
May receive from
May Donate
A
A
Anti-b
A or O
A,AB
B
B
Anti-a
B or O
B,AB
AB
A and B
None
A , B , AB or O (universal acceptor)
AB
O
None
Anti-a and anti-b
O
A, B, A B and 0 (universal donor)
Type $O$ individuals lack both antigens but carry both anti-b and anti-a antibodies in their serum. Thus, type $O$ individuals are referred to as universal donor. Type $O$ blood can be used in transfusion for individual of any blood type, if the blood is introduced slowly enough to permit sufficient dilution of anti-$A$ and anti-$B $ antibodies present in the serum of the donor.
| Blood group | Antigen present | Antibody present | May receive from | May Donate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | A | Anti-b | A or O | A,AB |
| B | B | Anti-a | B or O | B,AB |
| AB | A and B | None | A , B , AB or O (universal acceptor) | AB |
| O | None | Anti-a and anti-b | O | A, B, A B and 0 (universal donor) |