If a blood sample agglutinates with both anti-A and anti-B, what type of blood is it?

Study for the Rutgers Anatomy and Physiology II Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

A blood sample that agglutinates with both anti-A and anti-B indicates the presence of both A and B antigens on the surface of the red blood cells. In the ABO blood group system, type AB blood has both antigens present. Therefore, when anti-A serum is introduced, the A antigens will react and cause agglutination. Similarly, the B antigens will react and cause agglutination with anti-B serum.

Type O blood would not agglutinate with either anti-A or anti-B because it has neither A nor B antigens. Type A blood only has A antigens and would agglutinate with anti-A serum, but not with anti-B. Type B blood only has B antigens and would agglutinate with anti-B serum, but not with anti-A. Thus, the observation of agglutination with both anti-A and anti-B definitively identifies the sample as type AB blood.

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