Question

if blood is in short supply, which blood type would be the most beneficial to have on hand if someone needed a blood transfusion?
○ o+
○ o–
○ ab+
○ ab–

Explanation:

To determine the most beneficial blood type in short supply, we analyze blood transfusion compatibility:

• O− (O negative) is a universal donor. It can be given to patients with any blood type (A+, A−, B+, B−, AB+, AB−, O+, O−) because it has neither A/B antigens nor Rh factor, so it won’t trigger an immune reaction.
• O+ is not universal (it has Rh factor, so it can’t be given to Rh− patients).
• AB+ is a universal recipient (not a universal donor).
• AB− can only donate to AB+ or AB−, limiting its use.

Thus, O− is the most beneficial as it can be used by the widest range of patients.

Answer:

B. O−