Blood Type Test: About This Test
What is it?
Blood type tests are used to check what blood type you have. Your blood is "typed" according to whether certain markers, called antigens, are present on the surface of red blood cells.
The two most common blood type tests are the ABO and Rh tests. The ABO test shows which of four blood types you have: A, B, AB, or O. These letters stand for which kind of antigen you have on your red blood cells. If your red blood cells do not have either the A or B antigen, you have type O blood.
An Rh test checks for the Rh antigen (or Rh factor). It is done in early pregnancy to check a woman's blood type. Problems can occur when a woman who has Rh-negative blood becomes pregnant with a baby (fetus) that has Rh-positive blood. If this happens, treatment is available to help avoid these problems.
Why is this test done?
A blood type test is done:
- Before you get a blood transfusion.
- When a woman is planning to become pregnant or first becomes pregnant.
- Before you donate blood.
- Before you have surgery.
- Before a person donates an organ for transplantation.
- To show whether two people could be blood relatives.
- To check the identity of a person suspected of committing a crime.
How do you prepare for the test?
You do not need to do anything before you have this test.
How is the test done?
A health professional takes a sample of your blood.
What happens after the test?
- You will probably be able to go home right away.
- You can go back to your usual activities right away.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to keep a list of the medicines you take. Ask your doctor when you can expect to have your test results.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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Current as of: May 13, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
