ABO Blood Type with Rh factor

What is the ABO Blood Type with Rh Factor?

Every individual has 4 to 6 liters of blood in their system. Everyone’s blood has the same components: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. But, blood varies from a person to another and these differences are dominated by genes and heredity. Each person has his own unique mix of antigens (living on the surface of antigens) and antibodies (in the plasma). This individuality is what makes up our blood type.

This information identifies a person’s blood group and type. There are 4 primary blood groups: A, B, AB, and O. Rh type is a result of positive or negative. Our blood traits are different. They can be identified and compared by using two methods or systems: the ABO blood group system, and the RH blood group system. These two ways can determine differences in our red blood cells by comparing their surface antigens: proteins, carbohydrates, glycoproteins and glycolipids. The ABO blood group shows if the red blood cells have A and B antigens. The RH blood group shows if red blood cells have the D antigen on their surface.

Why take an ABO Blood Type with Rh Factor?

This blood test is used to determine a person’s blood group and type. Blood typing is performed on donated blood products. Blood types are also checked prior to transfusions or organ transplants, to ensure compatibility. So, knowing your blood type is essential for anyone.

Transfusion and Surgeries

Prior to a transfusion, the donor and the recipient’ blood types need to be compatible. For example, those who have the O negative blood type are called universal donor. Their blood is compatible with all other types. If two blood samples are mixed and they are different types, blood clumps could form, which could be fatal. The person who might be receiving the transfusion might have the antibodies that could fight the cells of the blood donor leading to toxic reactions. This test can help you understand which type of blood you have, which is helpful to keep you alive and safe if you need any transfusion. Testing your ABO and Rh blood type is very essential prior to an operation, transfusion or pregnancy.

Pregnancy

Women, who are planning a pregnancy, need to identify their blood type to ensure a safe pregnancy and healthy baby. Those who have a Rh negative will need further tests when pregnant. The blood type test is also regularly performed as part of prenatal care. If a pregnant woman is Rh-negative and the biological father is Rh-positive, the mother and fetus may have different blood types. This can lead to a serious condition, but the mother can be treated and monitored more closely when the blood types are known. When a woman has a Rh negative, this usually needs special care, especially if the child would be Rh positive. Your child could be inheriting the positive Rh from the other parent. Problems are not normally seen during the first pregnancy; but, are more pronounced during the second. In that case, your blood could come in contact with your baby’s blood, consider it as foreign and attack it resulting in life threatening anemia where the baby’s red blood cells could be destroyed at a rate faster than his body can replace. Such situations can happen during an abortion, ectopic pregnancy, amniocentesis, and delivery among others. Women who are Rh negative need to be tested several times during their pregnancies. If the baby turns out to be Rh negative like you; then, you are on the safe side. If not, you will need to be injected with a blood product: the Rh immune globulin.

What Do the ABO Blood Type with Rh Factor Test Results mean?

There are eight different kinds of blood types. These are A positive or negative, B negative or positive, AB negative or positive and O negative or positive.

If you are group A, this means that you have the A antigen and B antibody. Group B people have the B antigen and A antibody while group AB has the A and B antigens without any A or B antibody. Finally, the group O means that you do not have neither the A not the B antigen; but, you have both A and B antibodies. The positive or negative rhesus means that you either have or lack the D antigen.

Where can I get a ABO Blood Type with Rh Factor test near me?

Please use our Lab Locator to find find a convenient testing location.

Reviewed By: Dr. Kurt Kloss, MD
Last Reviewed Date: May 24, 2019