O- “universal donor” blood
In: Biology
Type O negative blood has no antigens, it will not trigger an immune response, even if the recipient has a different blood type. As you might imagine, it’s a very popular resource on hospital shelves. That’s why O negative blood is in high demand yet in short supply.
ELI5: Different blood types have different antigens (proteins) and using a different blood that has a different type of antigen (protein) will cause issues. O- has no antigens and will cause no reactions. Positive (+) Rh blood can only be given to positive blood, negative (-) Rh blood can be given to either.
Also note the types of antigens are A and B. AB is both, O blood lacks A or B antigens.
https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/news/article/what-is-a-universal-blood-type-0.html
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