MCAT Biology Question 97: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 97

7. An unconscious patient is rushed into the emergency room and needs an immediate blood transfusion. Because there is no time to check her medical history or determine her blood type, which type of blood should she receive?

  • A. A
  • B. AB+
  • C. O+
  • D. O

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

Without knowing a patient's blood type, the only type of transfusion that we can safely give is O–. People with O– blood are considered universal donors because their blood cells contain no surface antigens. Therefore, O– blood can be given to anyone without causing potentially life-threatening consequences from ABO incompatibility.

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