[Sorry, but the tabulated format at the end of this posting changed when submitted and so might take a bit of figuring out]. Group AB is rare and there could be a problem accessing this type of blood - so below I describe how potentially anyone could donate (with all the caveats a doctor SHOULD be aware of): Blood type AB is known as the Universal Recipient because it does not contain any antibodies against the A or B antigens. Thus a person COULD (but see below) receive any of the four major blood group within the ABO system - i.e. O, AB, B, A. This could make most of the population potential donors if AB is not available (and, as a rare group, that is very possible). But some major points: 1.The recipient's Rhesus status (- or +) is also important. 2. No person should be given any blood (even if the same as their own known blood group) without cross-matching. In an EMERGENCY (ONLY) patients are sometimes given O- (the Universal Donor). I am not aware if there are more modern techniques than the cross-matching system I am aware of (both bloods mixed in a test tube at about 37oC for about 2 hours) as I last worked in Haematology 50+ years ago! 3. Anyone given any blood transfusion without first cross-matching would be very unwise - not only could there be an error in detecting the correct blood groups of the recipient and donor but there are about 40 other known blood groups (ABO and Rhesus are usually the only ones most people know of). Any mismatch is shown by the red blood cells agglutinating (sticking together) and this could be fatal inside the body (but there are also other causes and reactions possible, especially haemolysis (breaking open of the blood cells)). ******** So, most people could donate to this Dengue victim BUT one has to hope the administering of the donor's blood is performed correctly. For those interested: Blood group ANTIGENS (of the ABO group) ANTIBODIES A A anti-B B B anti-A AB A and B NONE O NONE anti-A and anti-B The issue to be aware of is the RECIPIENT'S ANTIBODIES and not to give donor blood which has different ANTIGENS. Group O is known as the Universal Donor because it has no AB antigens (BUT as it does have antibodies against A and B, it is unfortunate that it can receive ONLY type O blood). . So: Blood group: ANTIBODIES (of the ABO group) SHOULD BE GIVEN/NOT BE GIVEN: A anti-B NOT give B or AB (or O unless emergency) B anti-A NOT give A or AB (or O unless emergency) AB NONE Best to give AB but can be given any ABO group if necessary and if correctly cross- matched O anti-A and anti-B ONLY Group O blood should be given.
