Blood Grouping and Subtyping Blood Test

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