A male patient of Mediterranean origin is rushed into the trauma centre of a major hospital and requires an immediate blood transfusion. The patient's medical history is unknown and there is insufficient time to perform a blood typing analysis. Which blood type should the patient be given and why?
A) O, as this blood type has no antigens.
B) AB, as this is the blood type of universal recipients.
C) A, as this is the most common blood type in the general populous and therefore most likely to be compatible.
D) B, as this blood type is more common in those of Southern European heritage and therefore most likely to be compatible.
E) It doesn't matter, just get some damn blood into him and worry about the blood type later on.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

O blood type is considered the universal donor because it has no A or B antigens on the red blood cells, which means it can be given to patients of any blood type in emergency situations without the risk of an immediate immune reaction.

A Male Patient of Mediterranean Origin Is Rushed into the Trauma