Which statement correctly explains why Type AB individuals can receive blood from any blood type?

• A. They have no anti-A or anti-B antibodies
• B. They express A and B antigens on RBCs
• C. They lack the Rh antigen
• D. They produce anti-A antibodies

Answer: (A)

In the ABO system, transfusion compatibility hinges on antibodies in the recipient’s plasma. Type AB individuals have no anti-A or anti-B antibodies, so their plasma won’t attack donor red blood cells that carry A or B antigens. Because they lack those antibodies, red cells from any ABO type (A, B, AB, or O) can be transfused without ABO-mediated rejection, assuming Rh matching is also considered in practice.

Note that AB individuals do express both A and B antigens on their own red cells, which is why their cells are compatible with all ABO types, but what makes them universal recipients is the absence of anti-A and anti-B antibodies in their plasma. The other statements would imply the presence of antibodies against A or B (or a lack of those antigens) that would cause incompatibility.