A patient's blood is typed and found to be AB negative (AB-). Based on this blood type, what antibodies are typically present in their plasma, assuming no prior sensitization to the Rh factor?
Show answer and explanation
The answer
Correct answer: A. Their plasma typically contains no anti-A, no anti-B, and no anti-Rh antibodies, making them a universal recipient for ABO antigens.
Tested concept: ABO and Rh blood typing
Explanation
Individuals with AB blood type have both A and B antigens on their red blood cells. To prevent an autoimmune reaction, their plasma does not contain anti-A or anti-B antibodies. An individual who is Rh negative (Rh-) does not naturally produce anti-Rh antibodies; these antibodies are only formed upon exposure to Rh-positive blood (sensitization). Since the question specifies no prior sensitization, an AB- individual's plasma would typically lack all three types of antibodies (anti-A, anti-B, and anti-Rh). This makes them a universal recipient for ABO antigens, as they will not react to A or B antigens, and can receive Rh-negative blood from any ABO type without prior sensitization.
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