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An individual with which blood type can only receive blood of that same type?

  1. Type A

  2. Type B

  3. Type AB

  4. Type O

The correct answer is: Type O

Individuals with Type O blood can only receive blood from donors with the same blood type, which is also Type O. This is due to the absence of A and B antigens on the surface of Type O red blood cells. As a result, if a Type O individual receives blood from any other blood type, their immune system would recognize the foreign A or B antigens as threats and could mount a severe immune response, leading to hemolytic reactions. Type A and Type B individuals can receive some blood from O donors, as O blood does not contain A or B antigens, making it compatible for transfusions. Type AB individuals are considered universal recipients; they have both A and B antigens and can accept any blood type without adverse reactions. Therefore, only Type O blood is restricted to its own type for safe transfusions.