What is a blood group test?
The results tell which blood type you have (A, B, AB, or O) and if you are Rh negative or positive. Your healthcare provider will know what blood components you can safely receive.
Why test your blood group?
Testing your blood group is important for several reasons. If you are or plan to become pregnant, knowing your blood group can help manage any potential complications. Knowing your blood group is useful if you need a blood transfusion. Additionally, some people follow a ‘blood type’ diet, but scientific evidence of its effectiveness is lacking.
What do the results mean?
The results tell you which blood type you have (A, B, AB, or O) and if you are Rh negative or positive. Your healthcare provider will know what blood components you can safely receive.
More information
Your blood type (or blood group) depends on the type you inherited from your parents. Blood typing can also reveal whether you have a substance called Rh factor on the surface of your red blood cells. If you do, you are Rh+ (positive). Those without it are considered Rh- (negative). This is very important during pregnancy and childbirth.
Preparations for the test
There are no preparations for this test.
On the day of the test
Always take I.D. with you when going to take a test.