What is the frequency of the AB antigen phenotype in the population?

The AB antigen phenotype corresponds to the presence of both A and B antigens on red blood cells, resulting in blood type AB. This specific blood type is relatively rare in the population compared to the more common blood types (A, B, and O).

Research and population studies indicate that the frequency of the AB blood type generally ranges around 4-5% of the population in many regions. This frequency can vary somewhat depending on geographic and ethnic demographics, but the approximate value is well established at around 4.5%.

Recognizing this prevalence helps in fields such as transfusion medicine and organ transplantation, where the compatibility of blood types is crucial. Understanding the distribution of blood types is essential for managing shortages or needs in medical settings, ensuring that donors and recipients are matched as closely as possible to reduce rejection risks and improve patient outcomes.