Which blood type is considered the universal donor type for red blood cell transfusions?
Show answer
O negative
O negative blood lacks A, B, and Rh antigens on the red blood cells, meaning it won't trigger an immune response in recipients of any other blood type. Because of this compatibility, it is the primary choice for emergency transfusions when a patient's blood type is unknown. Only about 7% of the population has this rare type, making it a critical resource for hospitals.
Also asked as:
- Which red blood cell type can generally be transfused to patients of any ABO and RhD blood type in an emergency?