Blood type test

Finding your blood type requires a blood test called ABO typing. This test requires a small sample of blood and is important information to have in case of an emergency.

How is blood type testing done?

Blood type testing is usually done by sending a small sample of blood to a laboratory for analysis, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM). The sample of blood is taken from a vein in your arm or hand through a venipuncture procedure.

At the lab, the sample is tested for the presence of certain proteins called antigens and antibodies that determine your blood type and Rh factor.

Why is it important to know your blood type?

Knowing your blood type is important for a couple of reasons, according to Banner Health. First, knowing your blood type can help medical professionals determine the best course of treatment in the event that you need a blood transfusion or organ transplant. This is because different blood types have different antigens on the surface of red blood cells, and if a person receives blood from the wrong type, it can lead to a potentially life-threatening reaction.

As a pregnant woman, knowing your Rh factor is very important, notes Banner Health If a woman is Rh negative and her fetus is Rh positive, it can lead to serious complications in development and also cause preterm birth or miscarriage. This is because the woman's immune system produces antibodies against the Rh factor, which can harm the fetus.

What are the most common methods for blood typing?

The most common method for blood type testing is the two-step ABO blood grouping test, according to the NLM.

For the ABO blood grouping test, a sample of blood is mixed with antibodies of type A or type B blood. A clumping or coagulation reaction will be observed in order to determine the type of blood, according to the NLM.

Additionally, after an ABO blood typing test, an Rh factor test is performed. For this test components of Rh factor are spread on the blood sample to determine if you are Rh positive or Rh negative.

What is Rh factor?

According to the NLM, Rh factor is a protein that is either present or absent on the surface of red blood cells. People who have the protein are Rh-positive, while those who do not are Rh-negative.

The Rh factor is important in blood transfusions and during pregnancy, as a mother who is Rh-negative may produce antibodies that can harm an Rh-positive fetus.

What to expect with a blood type test

A blood type test requires a sample of blood to be taken. During this procedure, a healthcare professional will follow these steps, according to the NIH guidelines:

How accurate are blood type tests?

Blood type tests are generally very accurate, but as with any test, errors can occur.

It is important to have your blood type tested by a medical professional in a laboratory to ensure accuracy.

How often should you get your blood type tested?

There is no need to routinely test your blood type if you have already had it done because your blood type will never change. There are some situations that require typing every time, to prevent errors in treatment. These circumstances, according to the NLM are:

• Donating blood
• Receiving a blood transfusion
• Undergoing a medical procedure that requires knowledge of your blood type (such as major surgery or childbirth)

What are the different blood types?

According to the NLM, there are four main blood types: A, B, AB, and O. Each blood type is determined by the presence or absence of certain antigens on the surface of red blood cells.

• Type A blood has the A antigen on the surface of red blood cells and contains anti-B antibodies in the plasma.
• Type B blood has the B antigen on the surface of red blood cells and contains anti-A antibodies in the plasma.
• Type AB blood has both A and B antigens on the surface of red blood cells and does not contain any anti-A or anti-B antibodies in the plasma.
• Type O blood does not have either A or B antigens on the surface of red blood cells and contains both anti-A and anti-B antibodies in the plasma.

In addition to the ABO blood group, there is also the Rh factor, which is either positive or negative, and is determined by the presence or absence of a different protein on the surface of red blood cells. So, people with A-positive blood have A antigen and Rh factor in their red blood cells, while people with O-negative blood don't have either A or B antigens or Rh factor in their red blood cells.

Can your blood type change over time?

Your blood type is determined by your genetics and cannot change over time.

Finding a blood type test

Blood type testing can be done at most laboratories and healthcare settings. You can request a blood type test through your doctor or by scheduling the test yourself at a walk-in laboratory.

Use Solv to find and book your blood typing test at a nearby laboratory or clinic.

Can I find out my blood type at home?

You can find your blood type using a home test. However, it is important to note that any home test has a higher chance of yielding an inaccurate result than medical-grade testing.

Cost of blood type testing

The cost of getting your blood type tested will vary depending on your location, your testing facility, and your insurance coverage. The national average for blood typing tests in the United States is between $24 and $39, according to FindLabTest.com.