BLOOD TYPING

Blood Typing is a test that determines a person’s blood type. The test is essential
if you need a blood transfusion or are planning to donate blood. Not all blood
types are compatible, so it’s important to know your blood group. Receiving
blood type could trigger a dangerous immune response.

THE BLOOD TYPES

Your blood type is determined by what kind of antigens
your red blood cells have on the surface. Antigens are
substances that help your body differentiate between its
own cells and foreign, potentially dangerous ones. If your
body thinks a cell is foreign, it will set out to destroy it.

The ABO blood typing system groups your blood into one
of four categories:
• Type A has the A antigen.
• Type A has the A antigen.
• Type B has the B antigen.
• Type B has the B antigen.
• Type AB has both A and B antigens.
• Type AB has both A and B antigens.
• Type O has neither A nor B antigens.
• Type O has neither A nor B antigens.
If blood with antigens that you don’t have enters your system, your body will
create antibodies against it. However, some people can still safely receive
blood that isn’t their blood type. As long as the blood they receive doesn’t have
any antigens that mark it as foreign, their bodies won’t attack it.

In other words, donations work as follows:

• Type O individuals can donate blood to anyone

• Type A individuals can donate to other type A individuals and type AB
individuals.
• Type B individuals can donate to other type B individuals and type AB
individuals.
• Type AB individuals can only give blood only to other AB individuals.
 WHY BLOOD TYPING IS DONE?
Blood typing is done prior to a blood transfusion or when
classifying a person’s blood for donation. Blood typing is a fast and
easy way to ensure that you receive the right kind of blood during
surgery or after an injury. If you’re given incompatible blood, it can
lead to blood clumping or agglutination, which can be fatal.

THE RISKS OF BLOOD TYPING

You will need to have your blood drawn in order to have it typed.
Having your blood drawn carries minimal risks, including:

• Bleeding under the skin

• Fainting or feeling lightheaded
• Infection at the puncture site
• Excessive bleeding

HOW BLOOD TYPING IS PERFORMED

The blood drawn can be performed at a hospital
or a clinical laboratory. Your skin will be cleaned
before the test with an antiseptic to help prevent
infection. A nurse or technician will wrap a band
around your arm to make your veins more visible.
They will use a needle to draw several samples of
blood from your arm or hand. After the draw,
gauze and a bandage will be placed over the
puncture site.
A blood sample is needed. The test to determine your blood group is called
ABO typing. Your blood sample is mixed with antibodies against type A and B
blood. Then, the sample is checked to see whether or not the blood cells stick
together. If blood cells stick together, it means the blood reacted with one of
the antibodies.