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A person with type AB blood can receive which blood type in an emergency?

  1. Type O only

  2. Type A or B only

  3. Type O, A, or B

  4. Type AB only

The correct answer is: Type O, A, or B

A person with type AB blood is known as a universal recipient. This means they can receive blood from any ABO blood type without the risk of an immune reaction against the transfused blood. Type AB blood has both A and B antigens on the surface of the red blood cells, which means the person does not produce antibodies against A or B antigens. Therefore, receiving blood type O (which has no antigens) is safe, as well as blood types A and B, which their bodies would not react against due to the absence of opposing antibodies. In emergency situations, quick access to any compatible blood type can be critical, and type AB individuals can safely receive type O, A, or B blood. This flexibility distinguishes them from individuals with other blood types who have specific limitations based on their immune responses.