Blood type transfusion can be considered safe as long as the serum of the recipient does not contain antibodies for the blood cell antigens of the donor. The "ABO system" is the most important blood-group system in human-blood transfusion. The associated anti-A and anti-B antibodies are usually "immunoglobulin M", abbreviated IgM, antibodies. ABO IgM antibodies are produced in the first years of life by sensitization to environmental substances such as food, bacteria, and viruses. The original terminology used by Karl Landsteiner in 1901 for the classification was A/B/C; in later publications "C" became "O". Type O is often called "0" ("zero", or
Blood type individuals with hh antigen system (also known as the Bombay phenotype) who can only receive blood safely from other hh donors, because they form antibodies against the H antigen present on all red blood cells. Blood donors with exceptionally strong anti-A, anti-B or any atypical blood group antibody may be excluded from blood donation. In general, while the plasma fraction of a blood transfusion may carry donor antibodies not found in the recipient, a significant reaction is unlikely because of dilution. Additionally, red blood cell surface antigens other than A, B and Rh D, might cause adverse reactions and sensitization,