From the Guidelines
The universal donor blood type is O negative, while the universal recipient blood type is AB positive. O negative blood lacks both A and B antigens as well as the Rh factor, making it compatible with all other blood types for transfusion 1. This means anyone can receive O negative blood without experiencing a dangerous immune reaction. AB positive blood, on the other hand, contains both A and B antigens plus the Rh factor, allowing people with this blood type to receive blood from any donor. This compatibility exists because AB positive individuals don't produce antibodies against any of the major blood antigens. Some key points to consider when transfusing blood include:
- Donor and recipient blood groups should be the same for certain blood components, such as FFP and cryoprecipitate transfusion 1.
- If the patient’s blood group is unknown, ABO non-identical plasma is acceptable if it has ‘low titre’ anti-A or anti-B activity 1.
- Group O components should only be given to group O recipients, highlighting the importance of blood type matching whenever possible 1. However, despite these universal designations, healthcare providers still prefer to match blood types exactly when possible to ensure the safest transfusions and preserve the limited supply of O negative blood for emergency situations when blood typing isn't possible.
From the Research
Universal Donor and Receiver Blood Types
- The universal donor blood type is O, as it can be given to any patient [ 2 ].
- There is no specific universal receiver blood type, but individuals with AB blood type can receive blood from all other blood types (A, B, AB, and O) [ 2 ].
Blood Type Compatibility
- Blood type O is compatible with all other blood types, making it the universal donor type [ 3 ].
- Individuals with RhD- blood type should receive RhD- blood to prevent adverse reactions, but in emergency situations, RhD+ blood can be used [ 3 ].
Clinical Practice and Blood Transfusion
- The use of O positive blood in emergency transfusions has been shown to be safe and effective, with a low risk of inducing anti-D antibodies [ 4 ].
- Restrictive transfusion strategies, using fewer platelets, have been recommended in certain clinical contexts to reduce the risk of adverse reactions and mitigate platelet shortages [ 5 ].