Question regarding type O blood

[vmp200]

Type O is said to be universal blood donor. Type O blood does not contain A or B antigens, but it does contain A and B anti bodies.
For example: If type O blood is given to Type O patient, then I understand that no clumping will occur.
Another example: If type O blood is transfused into a Type AB patient. Type AB patient contains both A and B antigens but no anti-bodies, but transfused type O blood contains type A and B antibodies. Wouldn't Type A and B anti-bodies from transfused blood cause clumping of the patients type AB blood?

From what I understand, Type O blood can be universal blood donor if the following is true: if the donated blood is processed to remove type A and B anti-bodies. (Not sure if this process occurs)

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[J ROD]

In emergency situations from what I know, Type O is used because the reaction between the antibodies from O to A and B are minor compared to when you add an incorrect antigen.

Others have anything to add. It has been a few years for me on this subject matter.

 

[boodthedog]

I've wondered about this too. Your question has finally made me do a little research. Seems the volume of blood donated is to small to elicit a reaction. Here's what wikipedia has to say:

"Universal donors and universal recipients

With regard to transfusions of whole blood or packed red blood cells, individuals with type O negative blood are often called universal donors, and those with type AB positive blood are called universal recipients. Although blood donors with particularly strong anti-A, anti-B or any atypical blood group antibody are excluded from blood donation, the terms universal donor and universal recipient are an over-simplification, because they only consider possible reactions of the recipient's anti-A and anti-B antibodies to transfused red blood cells, and also possible sensitisation to RhD antigens. The possible reactions of anti-A and anti-B antibodies present in the transfused blood to the recipients RBCs are not considered, because a relatively small volume of plasma containing antibodies is transfused.

By way of example; considering the transfusion of O RhD negative blood (universal donor blood) into a recipient of blood group A RhD positive, an immune reaction between the recipient's anti-B antibodies and the transfused RBCs is not anticipated. However, the relatively small amount of plasma in the transfused blood contains anti-A antibodies, which could react with the A antigens on the surface of the recipients RBCs, but a significant reaction is unlikely because of the dilution factors. Rhesus D sensitisization is not anticipated.
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Additionally, red blood cell surface antigens other than A, B and Rh D, might cause adverse reactions and sensitization, if they can bind to the corresponding antibodies to generate an immune response. Transfusions are further complicated because platelets and white blood cells (WBCs) have their own systems of surface antigens, and sensitization to platelet or WBC antigens can occur as a result of transfusion.
With regard to transfusions of plasma, this situation is reversed. Type O plasma can be given only to O recipients, while AB plasma (which does not contain anti-A or anti-B antibodies) can be given to patients of any ABO blood group."

from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_type#Blood_products

 

[boodthedog]

I also learned this:

"Character trait associations

According to Nomi's theory, those with type A blood tend to be reserved, punctual, and law-abiding, while type Os tend to be more outgoing, passionate, and driven; it is for this reason they are often considered "warrior" spirits. Type Bs are said to be loners and self-sufficient, as "hunters," while ABs are said to be serious and solitary by nature.
Type A blood is the most common in Japan and Germany while type O is most prevalent in the United States. 60% of Japanese Prime Ministers have been type O.[citation needed] Type Bs are also said to make great cooks and restaurant guides featuring Type B chefs are popular products in Japan.[citation needed]
Persons having Rh negative blood types are extremely rare in the Japanese population with a recent survey placing the percentage at around less than 1% of the total population, and no particular significance is attached to the Rh type."



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_blood_type_theory_of_personality#Character_trait_associations

 

[majik1213]

i wonder too