National League for Nursing (NLN PAX) Practice Exam

Which blood type can whole blood of type AB be transfused into?

1. O only

2. A and B only

3. AB only

4. A, B, AB and O

The correct answer is: AB only

Whole blood from an individual with type AB blood is considered the universal recipient for red blood cells. This is because AB blood type contains both A and B antigens on the surface of the red blood cells, which means individuals with this blood type have no anti-A or anti-B antibodies in their plasma. This absence of antibodies allows type AB blood to receive red blood cells from any blood type—A, B, AB, and O—without the risk of an adverse immune reaction. While the answer given is that type AB can only be transfused into other type AB individuals, the correct understanding reflects that type AB can actually receive blood from all other types, making the comprehensive compatibility D is the more appropriate choice.