Blood Type
All blood types carry out the same life-sustaining functions, such as delivering oxygen throughout the body and helping your immune system fight infections. However, not all blood cells have the same combinations of surface proteins (antigens) and antibodies; it’s those unique combinations that help determine a person’s blood type.
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]), which is known as the ABO blood system.
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, breaking the four blood groups down into two subgroups (positive and negative) or eight blood types in total. (A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, AB-, O+, O-). O+ is the most common blood type, AB- is the rarest.
This test uses the ABO system to determine blood type by measuring the combination of A and B antigens and specific antibodies that correspond to the four blood groups (A, B, AB, and O). The test also detects the presence or absence of Rh antigen to determine if your blood type is positive or negative.
Preparation
No special preparation.
What's Included
Why Consider The Blood Type Test
Medical Emergencies
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
Pregnancy
Blood testing can detect possible risks to fetal health in advance, by checking whether the fetus' blood type is compatible with the mother's blood type.
Blood Donation
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
References
- Felman, Adam. “Everything You Need to Know about Blood Types” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International. Last updated 25 April 25, 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/218285.php.
How To Get This Test
1. Choose Your Tests
Shop for tests and pay online. An independent physician will review and approve your test requests; no doctor’s visit is required.
2. Provide Your Sample
Take the requisition number we emailed you, along with a photo ID, to a Labcorp location for sample collection.
3. Access Your Results Online
View your easy-to-read results online in your Labcorp OnDemand account. For certain results that require prompt attention, you will also be contacted by PWN health via phone or mail.
Getting My Results
We've made getting your results easier and more convenient than ever. View your easy-to-read results online in your Pixel by Labcorp account. For certain results that require prompt attention, you will also be contacted by phone or mail. To view a sample report click the "sample report" button below.
