Anesthesia Technician Practice Exam

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What blood type is considered universal donor?

Type A positive
Type B negative
Type O negative
Type AB positive

The correct answer is: Type O negative

Type O negative is considered the universal donor because it lacks the A and B antigens that are present on the surface of red blood cells. This absence means that type O negative blood can be safely transfused into individuals of any blood type without the risk of an immune reaction, as there are no antigens to trigger such a response. In contrast, other blood types contain specific antigens that could lead to complications when transfused into recipients with different blood types. For example, type A blood has A antigens, type B has B antigens, and type AB has both A and B antigens. Therefore, those with type A, B, or AB blood would have immune responses if they received blood with different antigens. Type O negative blood is particularly valuable in emergency situations where blood typing may not be immediately possible, making it crucial in trauma and critical care scenarios. Thus, it is essential for healthcare professionals to recognize type O negative as the universal donor blood type.