There are eight blood types; A+, A-, B+, B-, O+, O-, AB+, AB-. Each individual’s red blood cells carry out the same life-sustaining functions, such as delivering oxygen throughout the body. Not all blood is alike, and blood type is genetic and determined by the presence or absence of antigens (proteins) on the red blood cells. There is also a protein called the Rhesus Factor (Rh) factor, which is either present (+) or absent (-) on red blood cells.
This blood type test measures the combination of A and B blood type antigens and specific antibodies that correspond to the four blood groups. It also detects Rh antigen to determine if your blood type is positive or negative. It is important to know your blood type for medical care that requires transfusions, pregnancies, or if you are interested in donating blood for specific friends and family members or for the public in general.
Preparation: No special preparation is needed.
If you need an urgent blood transfusion, knowing your blood type could save valuable time; it's vital to receive blood that is compatible with your specific blood type or from the universal donor (Type O) should you need a transfusion.¹
Knowing your blood type allows you to donate blood readily when there is a low supply of your particular blood type; one unit of blood can potentially save three lives.¹
1. Feldman A. Everything You Need to Know About Blood Types. Medical News Today website. Updated June 3, 2020. Accessed October 26, 2022. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/218285
2. Advent Health. 5 Reasons Why You Should Know Your Blood Type. March 25, 2019. Accessed July 10, 2023. https://www.adventhealth.com/blog/5-reasons-why-you-should-know-your-blood-type.
3. Cleveland Clinic. Blood Types. Last reviewed March 14, 2023. Accessed July 10, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21213-blood-types.
<p>1. Feldman A. Everything You Need to Know About Blood Types. Medical News Today website. Updated June 3, 2020. Accessed October 26, 2022. <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/218285" target="_blank">https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/218285</a></p> <p>2. Advent Health. 5 Reasons Why You Should Know Your Blood Type. March 25, 2019. Accessed July 10, 2023. <a href="https://www.adventhealth.com/blog/5-reasons-why-you-should-know-your-blood-type" target="_blank" title="5 Reasons Why You Should Know Your Blood Type">https://www.adventhealth.com/blog/5-reasons-why-you-should-know-your-blood-type</a>.<sup></sup></p> <p>3. Cleveland Clinic. Blood Types. Last reviewed March 14, 2023. Accessed July 10, 2023. <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21213-blood-types" target="_blank" title="Blood Types">https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21213-blood-types</a>.</p>
Both A and B antigens play a significant role in blood typing, which in combination with specific antibodies create four major blood groups (A, B, AB, and O [has neither the A or B surface protein]).
The third antigen that influences blood type is called Rh, making your blood type either positive when it’s present or negative when it’s absent
View your easy-to-read results online in your Labcorp Patient™ account, including Linked Accounts. For certain results that require prompt attention, you will also be contacted by phone or mail.
There are four main blood types: A, B, AB and O.
The rarity of blood types differs based on geography; however, in the US:
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