About the test
We inherit our blood type from our parents. Blood types are divided into 4 main categories – type A, type B, type AB, and type O. The blood type is determined by the type of protein on the surface of the red blood cells. Type A blood has A proteins, type B has B proteins, type AB has both types, and type O has neither.
It is the presence of these proteins that determines what type of blood can be given in a blood transfusion – giving the wrong type can be life threatening – because a recipient’s immune system can react against the donated blood.
Other than the A and B proteins, there is another protein called the Rhesus (Rh) antigen. A blood type can be Rh positive, or Rh negative. This is particularly important to know during pregnancy as there may be a problem if the baby has a different rhesus status to the mother.
The result will come in the following format:
- A RhD positive (A+)
- A RhD negative (A-)
- B RhD positive (B+)
- B RhD negative (B-)
- O RhD positive (O+)
- O RhD negative (O-)
- AB RhD positive (AB+)
- AB RhD negative (AB-)
This test is also a requirement for most (very) extreme sports pursuits and prior to majority of operations.
1 Biomarker
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BLOOD TYPE
- Blood Grouping and Subtyping Blood Test