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Blood Type Testing


Why is this procedure done?


There are 4 main groups of blood types. It is important to know your blood type if you need to have a blood transfusion. If you receive the wrong type of blood, you will be very sick. This can also cause very serious problems. ‚  
The doctor may order a test to check your blood type to: ‚  
  • Learn what your blood type is
  • Get information before surgery
  • Check what blood products you can safely receive
  • Check if problems may occur during a pregnancy
  • Give blood for certain diseases that cause anemia. Anemia means your blood count is very low.
  • Give blood for injury or trauma


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What will the results be?


  • The doctor will look at the results of your test. This will help them learn about the markers or antigens on your red blood cells. Doctors look at both of these types of markers before they decide if a blood type is safe for you.
    • If you have Type A markers on your red blood cells, you have blood type A. If you have Type B markers, you have blood type B. If you have both A and B markers, your blood type is AB. People who do not have either of these markers have Type O blood.
    • There is also another kind of marker that may be present on your red blood cells. It is the Rh factor marker. If you have this marker, your blood is Rh+ or Rh positive. If you do not have this marker, your blood is Rh- or Rh negative.
  • The doctor will talk with you about treatment.

What happens before the procedure?


  • There are no special things to do before the test.
  • Talk to your doctor about:
    • All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
    • Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.

What happens during the procedure?


It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle is removed. A bandage will cover the site. ‚  

What happens after the procedure?


  • You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
  • Ask your doctor when you will get the results.

What care is needed at home?


You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚  

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor plan ahead if you may need a blood transfusion. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Pain
  • Bruising
  • Bleeding
  • Feeling dizzy
  • Infection

Where can I learn more?


American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚  
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/blood-typing/tab/glance ‚  
American Red Cross ‚  
http://www.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood/blood-types ‚  
NHS Choices ‚  
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/blood-groups/pages/introduction.aspx ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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