Blood Grouping (ABO+RH)
Blood Grouping (ABO+RH) is a test that determines a person’s blood type. It is also known as blood typing. The test is based on the presence or absence of specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells. The ABO system classifies blood into four groups: A, B, AB, and O, while the Rh system classifies blood as either Rh-positive or Rh-negative. There are eight main blood types in the ABO/Rh blood group system.
Why is Blood Grouping (ABO+RH)
Blood typing is done to confirm safety before performing a blood transfusion or a transplant. Your blood type must closely match the blood type of the blood you are receiving. In case your blood types do not closely match:
- Your immune system will detect the donated red blood cells as foreign.
- Antibodies will develop in response to the donated red blood cells and attack these blood cells.
There are two ways that your blood and the donated blood may not match:
- A mismatch between blood types A, B, AB, and O. This is the most common form of a mismatch. In most cases, the immune response is very severe.
- The Rh factor may not match.
Blood typing is very important during pregnancy. Careful testing can prevent severe anemia in the newborn and jaundice.
How is Blood Grouping (ABO+RH) done
A blood sample is needed. Your blood sample is mixed with antibodies against type A and B blood. Then, the sample is then examined to determine whether or not the blood cells stick together. If blood cells stick together, it means the blood reacted with one of the antibodies.
The second step is referred to as backtyping. Serum, the liquid part of your blood without cells, is mixed with type A and type B blood. People with type A blood have anti-B antibodies. People with type B blood have anti-A antibodies. Type O blood contains both types of antibodies.
These steps above help to determine your blood type.
Rh typing uses a method similar to ABO typing. When blood typing is done to see if you have the Rh factor on the surface of your red blood cells, the results will be one of these:
- Rh+ (positive) , if you have this cell surface protein
- Rh- (negative), if you do not have this cell surface protein
How to Prepare for the Test
No special preparation is required for Blood Grouping (ABO+RH) test.
Risks Associated
When the blood is withdrawn, there are possible risks associated. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include
- Excessive bleeding
- Hematoma (blood buildup under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Multiple punctures to locate veins
Interpretation of the Results
You will be told which ABO blood type you have. It will be one of these:
- Type A blood
- Type B blood
- Type AB blood
- Type O blood
You will be informed about Rh-positive blood or Rh-negative blood.
Based on your results, your health care providers can determine which type of blood you can safely receive.
- If you have type A blood, you can only receive types A and O blood.
- If you have type B blood, you can only receive types B and O blood.
- If you have type AB blood, you can receive types A, B, AB, and O blood.
- If you have type O blood, you can only receive type O blood.
- If you are Rh+, you can receive Rh+ or Rh- blood.
- If you are Rh-, you can only receive Rh- blood.
Type O blood can be given to anyone with any blood type. That is why people with type O blood are called universal blood donors.
Turnaround Time
The turnaround time forBlood Grouping (ABO+RH) is usually within 2-4 hours.
How To Order Blood Grouping (ABO+RH)
Please click the ‘Order Test’ button and add Blood Grouping (ABO+RH) in your cart.
You are welcome to visit our laboratory in Kilimani, Nairobi. This will initiate the process for obtaining your test
