Why doesn't the antibodies in type O plasma affect the recipient when receiving type O blood?
Context The question focuses on the apparent contradiction between type O blood being universally accepted as a donor due to the absence of antigens on its red blood cells and the presence of anti-A and anti-B antibodies in type O plasma. It asks why these antibodies don't cause a reaction in recipients who are not type O when receiving type O whole blood, especially considering the severe reaction a type O individual would experience if given blood of other types. Simple Answer Type O blood doesn't have A or B antigens on its red blood cells, so it won't trigger an immune response in anyone, making it universally acceptable as a donor. Type O plasma contains antibodies against A and B antigens, but these antibodies are present in a very small amount. When you give only the red blood cells (packed red blood cells), you are essentially giving only the blood cells without the plasma, hence no antibodies are given. The antibodies in type O plasma are diluted in the recipient...