Final answer:
People with type AB blood are called universal recipients because they can accept any ABO blood type, due to having both A and B antigens and lacking anti-A or anti-B antibodies. AB+ individuals can also receive both Rh+ and Rh- blood.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individuals with type AB blood are often termed universal recipients because they can accept transfusions of any ABO blood type. The reason for this lies in the antigens present on their red blood cells and the lack of anti-A or anti-B antibodies in their plasma. Type AB blood has both A and B antigens on the surface of the erythrocytes, which means that the individual's immune system does not produce antibodies against these antigens. As a result, if they receive blood from a type A, B, or O donor, there won't be an immune response against the donated blood's antigens.
Moreover, patients with blood type AB+ are additionally tolerant to different Rh factors, being able to receive both Rh+ and Rh- blood. However, one should keep in mind that the donor's blood might carry antibodies that can potentially lead to complications in some cases.
People with type AB blood can accept transfusions of any blood type because their blood plasma does not contain any anti-A or anti-B antibodies. This means that type AB blood does not have an immune response to the A or B antigens present in other blood types. As a result, people with type AB blood are known as universal recipients and can safely receive transfusions from donors of any ABO blood type.