Blood types A, B, and O all have antibodies in their plasma. Let's break down which antibodies are present in each:
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Blood Type A: Contains anti-B antibodies. This means the plasma of a person with type A blood will attack type B blood cells.
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Blood Type B: Contains anti-A antibodies. The plasma of a person with type B blood will attack type A blood cells.
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Blood Type O: Contains both anti-A and anti-B antibodies. This is why type O blood is often referred to as the "universal donor" – because it lacks the A and B antigens that would trigger an immune response in recipients. However, type O individuals can only receive type O blood, due to the presence of both anti-A and anti-B antibodies.
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Blood Type AB: Uniquely, blood type AB does not contain any antibodies against A or B antigens. This makes it the "universal recipient," as it can receive blood from all other blood types.
The presence of these antibodies is crucial for the body's immune system to recognize and destroy foreign blood cells. If incompatible blood types are mixed, the antibodies will attack the foreign antigens, leading to a potentially life-threatening reaction. The ABO blood group system, as described by resources such as the NHS (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/blood-groups/), illustrates this principle clearly. Further information about blood groups and compatibilities can be found at the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne (https://www.rch.org.au/bloodtrans/about_blood_products/blood_groups_and_compatibilities/).
