Blood Type or Blood Group Test

Certain markers called antigens, which are on the surface of red blood cells, can type human blood. Blood type may also be taken to see if people are likely to be blood relatives. The most important antigens are blood group antigens (ABO) and Rh antigen, which is either present (positive, +) or absent (negative,-). The two most common blood type tests are the ABO and Rh tests.

The ABO test

The ABO test is done to find out if the individual has one of four blood types: A, B AB, or O. If the A antigen is present you have type A blood. If the B antigen is present then you have type B Blood. Neither the A nor B antigen, you type O blood. Both A and B antigen, you have type AB blood. These can all vary from negative to positive.

The test to find out if your blood is negative or positive is called the Rh Test if you have the Rh antigen, your blood is Rh-positive, if you do not have the Rh antigen, your blood is Rh-negative.

Taking a sample of blood from you to be sent for testing completes these tests. This procedure is done quickly and is practically painless.