Final answer:
For blood type AB, antigens A and B are present on the RBC surface; these individuals do not produce the anti-A or anti-B antibodies and can be considered universal recipients. They can only donate to other AB types, and their Rh status affects which Rh type blood they can safely receive.
Step-by-step explanation:
For blood type AB, the antigens on the RBC surface are antigen A and antigen B. This is because individuals with type AB blood have both A and B glycoproteins on their red blood cells. These individuals do not produce anti-A or anti-B antibodies, as the presence of both antigens negates the need for these antibodies.
Individuals with type AB blood are often referred to as universal recipients because they can theoretically receive blood from donors of any ABO blood type without the risk of an adverse reaction from anti-A or anti-B antibodies. However, it is important to note that while they can receive blood from any ABO type, they can only donate blood to other individuals with type AB blood.
Regarding the Rh factor, if the person with type AB blood is Rh positive (AB+), they can receive both Rh positive and Rh negative blood. However, if they are Rh negative (AB-), they should only receive Rh negative blood to avoid complications with Rh incompatibility.