AB plasma is considered the universal plasma donor because it lacks which antibodies?

Prepare for your Clinical Laboratory Science Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

AB plasma is considered the universal plasma donor because it lacks which antibodies?

Explanation:
AB plasma is universal for plasma transfusions because individuals with AB blood type have no antibodies against A or B antigens in their plasma. This means their plasma won’t attack recipients’ red cells of any ABO type, making it safe to transfuse to anyone. The option describing anti-A and anti-B antibodies is the best answer because it directly explains why AB plasma can be given to all recipients. The other antibodies listed—anti-D (Rh) antibodies, anti-Jka, and anti-K1—are not what determines universal plasma compatibility. Anti-D relates to Rh status in red cell transfusions, while anti-Jka and anti-K1 are alloantibodies that can cause reactions if present, but they do not define AB plasma’s universal donor property.

AB plasma is universal for plasma transfusions because individuals with AB blood type have no antibodies against A or B antigens in their plasma. This means their plasma won’t attack recipients’ red cells of any ABO type, making it safe to transfuse to anyone. The option describing anti-A and anti-B antibodies is the best answer because it directly explains why AB plasma can be given to all recipients. The other antibodies listed—anti-D (Rh) antibodies, anti-Jka, and anti-K1—are not what determines universal plasma compatibility. Anti-D relates to Rh status in red cell transfusions, while anti-Jka and anti-K1 are alloantibodies that can cause reactions if present, but they do not define AB plasma’s universal donor property.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy