Blood Donation to Type AB Recipients
Individuals with type AB blood can receive red blood cells from donors of all ABO blood types: A, B, AB, and O, making them universal recipients. 1
ABO Compatibility Framework
Type AB individuals are unique in the ABO system because:
- They possess both A and B antigens on their red blood cells 2, 3
- They lack anti-A and anti-B antibodies in their plasma 4, 5
- This absence of antibodies against A or B antigens allows them to receive blood from any ABO type without risk of hemolytic reaction 1, 4
Compatible Donor Blood Types for AB Recipients
All ABO Types Are Compatible:
- Type O donors (universal donor) - can donate to AB recipients 1
- Type A donors - can donate to AB recipients 1
- Type B donors - can donate to AB recipients 1
- Type AB donors - can donate to AB recipients 1
Clinical Rationale
The compatibility is based on the antibody-antigen relationship:
- Type AB recipients have no naturally occurring anti-A or anti-B antibodies in their serum 4, 5
- Without these antibodies, there is no immunologic mechanism to attack incoming red cells carrying A, B, or both antigens 1, 4
- This contrasts with type O individuals who have both anti-A and anti-B antibodies and can only receive type O blood 4, 5
Important Caveats
Minor Incompatibility Considerations:
- When AB recipients receive plasma-containing products (like platelets), ABO-compatible products are preferred to minimize hemolysis risk from donor antibodies 6
- The donor's plasma may contain anti-A or anti-B antibodies that could react with the recipient's red cells (minor mismatch) 1, 6
- This is particularly important in pediatric populations where hemolysis risk from incompatible plasma is higher 6