LAB TEST
Blood typing
Blood typing is a method to tell what type of blood you have. Blood typing is done so you can safely donate your blood or receive a blood transfusion. It is also done to see if you have a substance called Rh factor on the surface of your red blood cells. Your blood type is based on whether or not certain proteins are on your red blood cells. These proteins are called antigens. Your blood type (or blood group) depends on what types your parents passed down to you. Blood is often grouped according to the ABO blood typing system. The 4 major blood types are: Type A Type B Type AB Type O
How the Test is Performed
A blood sample is needed. The test to determine your blood group is called ABO typing. Your blood sample is mixed with antibodies against type A and B blood. Then, the sample is checked to see whether or not the blood cells stick together. If blood cells stick together, it means the blood reacted with one of the…
How to Prepare for the Test
No special preparation is necessary for this test.
How the Test will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or slight bruising. This soon goes away.
Why the Test is Performed
Blood typing is done so you can safely receive a blood transfusion or a transplant. Your blood type must closely match the blood type of the blood you are receiving. If the blood types do not match: Your immune system will see the donated red blood cells as foreign. Antibodies will develop against the donated red…
Normal Results
You will be told which ABO blood type you have. It will be one of these: Type A blood Type B blood Type AB blood Type O blood You will also be told whether you have Rh-positive blood or Rh-negative blood. Based on your results, your health care providers can determine which type of blood you can safely receive: If you…
Risks
There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another, and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others. Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include: Fainting…
Considerations
There are many antigens besides the major ones (A, B, and Rh). Many minor ones are not routinely detected during blood typing. If they are not detected, you may still have a reaction when receiving certain types of blood, even if the A, B, and Rh antigens are matched. A process called cross-matching followed by a…
References
Arinsburg SA. Pretransfusion testing. In: Shaz BH, Hillyer CD, Gil MR, eds. Transfusion Medicine and Hemostasis . 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 21. Lane WJ, Westhoff CM, Storry JR, Shaz BH. Human blood group antigens and antibodies. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 31/03/2024).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.