Final answer:
A patient with blood type AB+ is known as the universal recipient. This patient can theoretically receive any type of blood, because the patient's own blood-having both A and B antigens on the erythrocyte surface-does not produce anti-A or anti-B antibodies.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient with blood type AB+ is known as the universal recipient. This patient can theoretically receive any type of blood, because the patient's own blood-having both A and B antigens on the erythrocyte surface-does not produce anti-A or anti-B antibodies.
However, keep in mind that the donor's blood will contain circulating antibodies, again with possible negative implications.
Figure 18.17 summarizes the blood types and compatibilities.