Blood Group ABO & RH Factor Test

Also known as ABO grouping, Blood Type Test, ABORh

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required.

Understanding Blood Group ABO & RH Factor Test

What is Blood Group ABO & RH Factor Test?

A Blood Group ABO & RH Factor Test identifies certain inherited substances (antigens) present on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs) and classifies them into four groups, A, B, AB, or O, which is collectively called the ABO system. This test also detects the presence of Rhesus (Rh) factor, a protein, on the surface of RBCs in the blood.

Blood is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the plasma. The blood groups are defined by the antigens or antibodies in the blood.

Blood group A has A antigens on the red blood cells with anti-B antibodies in the plasma.
Blood group B has B antigens with anti-A antibodies in the plasma.
Blood group O has no antigens but both anti-A and anti-B antibodies in the plasma.
Blood group AB has both A and B antigens but no antibodies in the plasma.

A Blood Group ABO & RH Factor Test is performed before donating blood or receiving a blood transfusion. It is also performed before donating an organ, before transplanting an organ/tissue, when registering as a potential donor, and during pregnancy to check Rh factor incompatibility.

You may talk to your doctor about all the pre-test instructions. However, no special preparation is needed for this test. You can eat or drink normally as per your daily routine.

What is Blood Group ABO & RH Factor Test used for?

A Blood Group ABO & RH Factor Test is done:

To identify the type of blood group.
To ensure the ABO and Rh compatibility in case of blood transfusion.
To check the compatibility of a pregnant woman and her developing fetus.
To check the blood group of potential donors or recipients of organ, tissue, or bone marrow transplant.

What does Blood Group ABO & RH Factor Test measure?

A Blood Group ABO & RH Factor Test detects the presence of antigens (A, B & Rh) on the surface of RBCs to determine your blood group and antigen type.

Interpreting Blood Group ABO & RH Factor Test results

Interpretations

According to occurrence of agglutination upon treatment with antibodies, human blood can be grouped into 8 types according to the ABO and Rh grouping systems:

· A+

· A-

· B+

· B-

· O+

· O-

· AB+

· AB-

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Blood Group ABO & RH Factor Test

Frequently Asked Questions about Blood Group ABO & RH Factor Test

Q. When is a blood grouping test performed?

Some of the cases in which a blood grouping test is performed are when you want to know your blood group, in case of donating blood or receiving blood, or in pregnant women.

Q. How is a blood grouping test performed?

Your doctor will clean the skin using an antiseptic alcohol cotton swab or wipe and take out a blood sample from your body using a needle. The blood sample will be stored safely and transported to the lab for analysis.

Q. Is there any risk associated with a blood grouping test?

There is usually no risk associated with this test. However, some people may feel a slight sting when a needle is pricked and may experience some bleeding that is normal and usually not bothersome. Rarely, some people may also experience slight swelling or bruising at the site of the needle prick. Applying ice 3-4 times a day for about a week may help reduce swelling and bruising. If it does not get better, consult your doctor.