ABO Blood Type with Rh factor

What is the ABO Blood Type with Rh Factor?

Every individual has four to six liters of blood in their system, which is made up of the same components: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. However, while we all have the same basic components to our blood, blood varies from a person to person and these differences are determined by genes and heredity. Each person inherits from their parents their own unique mix of blood group antigens (which live on the surface of the red blood cells) and antibodies (which in the plasma are are vital to the healthy function of the immune system). This information identifies a person’s blood group and type.

There are 4 primary blood groups:

• Type A blood
• Type B blood
• Type AB blood
• Type O blood

Under these groups we can have different blood types depending upon the incidence of Rh. The Rh antigen is found on the surface of red blood cells, and is not found in all types of blood. Most will have heard that blood can be either positive or negative. Rh-positive blood types are those in which the Rh antigen is present, such as O-positive (which is the most common blood type in the world), A-positive, B-positive, and AB-positive. Rh-negative blood types are those in which the Rh antigen is absent, such as A-negative and O-negative.

Blood traits can be identified and described by using the ABO blood group system and Rh blood group system. These two systems 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 Test?

Simply stated, knowing your blood type is essential for everyone. The AOB Blood Type with Rh Factor 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. However, every second counts when a patients needs a blood transfusion or an organ transplant, so it wise to get your blood type tested in advance.

Transfusion and Surgeries

Donor and the recipient blood types need to be compatible in order to perform a blood transfusion. If two blood samples are mixed and they are different types, blood clumps could form, which could be fatal. The person receiving the transfusion might also have antibodies that could fight the cells of the blood donor leading to toxic reactions.

Blood types typically need to match in order to safely perform a blood transfusion, but there are two exceptions. People with type O-negative blood are often referred to as "universal donors" because patients with any type of blood can accept blood donations of type O-negative. Alternatively, people with AB-positive blood are referred to as "universal recipients" because they can receive transfusions of any other blood type.

The ABO Blood Type with Rh Factor test can help you understand which type of blood you have, which is vital in ensuring your safety in the event that you need a blood 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 Rh-negative blood will need further tests while 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, which can lead to a serious condition if left untreated.

Problems are less common during the first pregnancy, but are often 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 their forming bodies can replace them. Instances of the mother and child sharing incompatible blood can occur during abortions, ectopic pregnancies, amniocentesis, during delivery, and at other times as well.

Women who are Rh-negative need to be tested several times during their pregnancies. There should be no issues if the baby turns out to also be Rh-negative. However, if the baby is Rh-positive, with mother will need to be injected with a blood product called Rh immune globulin to protect against complications.

What Do ABO Blood Type Test Results mean?

There are eight different blood types:

• A-positive
• A-negative
• B-positive
• B-negative
• AB-positive
• AB-negative
• O-positive
• O-negative

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 test near me?

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

Reviewed By: Dr. Kurt Kloss, MD
Last Reviewed Date: Mar 12, 2020