Description
Blood Grouping and Subtype Blood Test
Blood types are inherited from our parents, meaning it’s passed down through our family genes. Blood type is determined by specific markers, called proteins, found on the surface of our red blood cells. Scientists group blood into four main categories: A, B, AB, and O. Each group is named after the kind of protein present on the cells, and this plays an important role in how our immune system responds to blood from other people.
- If you have type A blood, your red blood cells carry A proteins.
- If you have type B blood, your red blood cells carry B proteins.
- If you have type AB blood, your red blood cells carry both A and B proteins.
- If you have type O blood, your red blood cells carry neither A nor B proteins.
These blood proteins are extremely important when it comes to receiving or donating blood. If someone needs a blood transfusion — for example, after surgery or an accident — doctors must make sure that the donor’s blood type is compatible with the patient’s. If a person receives blood with proteins that their immune system doesn’t recognize, their body will treat the new blood as a threat. This immune reaction can cause the transfused blood cells to be attacked and destroyed, leading to very serious, and sometimes life-threatening, complications. That’s why blood typing and careful cross-matching are essential before any transfusion is carried out.
In addition to the A and B proteins, another important marker on red blood cells is the Rhesus (Rh) factor. The Rh factor is another type of protein that some people have and others don’t. If the Rh protein is present, a person is considered Rh positive. If the Rh protein is absent, the person is considered Rh negative.
Knowing whether someone is Rh positive or negative is especially crucial during pregnancy. If a woman who is Rh negative becomes pregnant with a baby who is Rh positive, her immune system might see the baby’s Rh-positive blood cells as foreign. In some cases, this can cause the mother’s immune system to produce antibodies that attack the baby’s blood cells, a condition known as hemolytic disease of the newborn. This can lead to serious health problems for the baby, such as anemia, jaundice, or even more severe complications.
Fortunately, with modern medicine, these problems can usually be prevented.
Understanding your blood type and Rh factor isn’t just important in emergencies or pregnancy — it also helps if you want to donate blood and save lives. Blood banks often need donors of all types, but some types, like O negative, are especially valuable because they can be given to almost anyone in an emergency when there’s no time to test blood type.
How often should I have a Blood Grouping and Subtype Blood Test?
We recommend testing once.
Before major surgery or transfusion: Hospitals often re-confirm blood type for safety.
Pregnancy: Rh status is critical for prenatal care, especially if you’re Rh-negative.
Blood donation: Blood banks test every donation to ensure accuracy.
Our Nurses visit your Home or Work to take your blood.
Pick a time and date to suit you.
Your results are available online within days of your blood being taken.
Other Questions
- Having surgery
- Donataing organs or blood
- Travelling or living abroad (some countries expect you to know your blood type incase of emergencies)
- Medical planning
- Pregnancy
- Blood type
Take the blood test as early as possible when you are in need of knowing your blood type.
Collection method: Venous blood
Results available: 1-2 days after the sample has reached the laboratory.
Blood type and subtype
Analysing which blood group (A, B, AB, O) and rhesus type (+ or -).
How it Works
1. Order a Test
Order your test, and then Answer the Questions about why you’re taking that test.
Our nurse will contact you for dates, so they can take your blood sample at your home.
Our nurse will then send your sample to our laboratory.
2. Our laboratory team run the tests
Our skilled laboratory staff conduct your blood tests in a clean and secure environment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Each test follows strict protocols to maintain the highest quality standards.
3. Receive Your Results within 7 days
We will email you to inform you that your blood test results are ready.
The email will have a PDF report attached, sent directly to your inbox.
4. Monitor your levels over time
With regular ongoing tests and reports, you can track your results. The reports can be shared with your GP.
Check if you’re improving healthily or where changes could be made.
