Blood Group Test

The Blood Group Test is performed to learn about the type of blood group a person has.

The Blood Group Test becomes very important when a person either wants to donate blood to somebody or wants to receive blood from someone. (This is called ‘blood transfusion.’)

Doctors first determine the donor’s blood group before using their blood for a transfusion to another person. This is important because if the donor’s blood is not compatible with the receiver’s blood group, then there can be many serious complications for the receiver.

The kinds of antigens present on the surface of blood cells help determine the blood group. Antigens are entities that help in differentiating between the body’s own cells and foreign cells. These can have dangerous effects on your body as, when the antigens identify any cell as foreign, they go on to destroy it.

Based on the kinds of antigens present in blood cells, there are four major blood groups:

• Type A, which has the A antigen.
• Type B, which has the B antigen.
• Type AB, which has both A and B antigens.
• Type O, which has neither A antigen nor B antigen.
• Rh positive has Rh antigen
• Rh negative does not have Rh antigen

Ideally, someone with Type A blood group should only receive blood from someone else with the same blood group after making sure that their blood groups match with the help of a Blood Group Test.

However, some blood groups can also receive blood from other blood groups. This happens as, in these cases, the antigens don’t view the other blood cells as foreign elements that can cause danger.

Thus, the Blood Group Test is used to know the blood group of a patient, donor, receiver of blood transfusion

In India, there can be a shortage of the matching blood type for transfusion, especially in remote areas. Sometimes, people also face complications because of receiving an incompatible blood group.

To avoid and overcome these incidents, it is better to have your and your family’s blood group test done beforehand and know your blood group. This will be helpful in both donating and receiving blood.

The Blood Group Test takes a blood sample for conducting the test. The results of the test can often be derived within a very short period.

Blood transfusion, Pregnancy test, Cancer treatment

Individuals in the following conditions might be asked for the Blood Group Test in more instances:

For performing blood transfusion

After an injury or maybe while undergoing surgery or a treatment that leads to substantial blood loss, the person is in need of more blood in their body. To tackle this blood loss, doctors go for a blood transfusion. Blood transfusion is the process of adding blood to the receiver’s body after receiving a blood donation from a donor.

But, before performing this procedure, doctors get the donor and the receiver to have their Blood Group Test done to make sure that their blood groups are compatible. Receiving an incompatible blood group can have serious consequences for the receiver and can also lead to loss of life in some cases.

During pregnancy

Pregnant women undergo the Blood Group Test early in their tenure to determine which blood group they are. The Rh factor plays an important role in maintaining the good health of the mother and the child. The mother’s blood is monitored for the presence of Rh negative or Rh positive blood type.

The compatibility of the Rh factor in the mother’s blood is then matched with the Rh factor of the unborn child. If they are incompatible, the mother has to go through regular monitoring to keep the antibodies in check through a Blood Group Test.

For people suffering from cancer

Sometimes, cancer can cause a number of complications leading to internal bleeding and anaemia and can also damage the blood count of the kidneys and the spleen. In such cases, the patient might need extra blood from a donor whose blood group is compatible with their own.

People regardless of their age and gender can be required to get the Blood Group Test done.

The Blood Group Test need not be taken frequently. It is suggested by your doctor only when you are either donating your blood or are set to receive blood from someone through blood transfusion.

Blood transfusion is needed by people who have either met with a serious injury or are undergoing a treatment that requires them to receive blood.

For pregnant women, the Blood Group Test is often suggested by the doctor to make sure the mother and the unborn child are in good health.

What to Expect During the Test

Before the Test

Usually one doesn't need special preparation for an blood group  test. However, if you are undergoing this test alongside another one, your healthcare provider may advise you to fast or avoid certain foods. Do consult a doctor before the test for personalised guidance.

During the Test

When undergoing the blood group test, a blood sample will be taken from a vein in your arm. Here's what you can expect during the test:

• The area where the needle will be inserted will first be cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
• A tourniquet band will be tied to your arm to make your veins pop out.
• A needle will be inserted into the vein to draw the blood. This process may cause a brief pinch lasting a few seconds.
• The blood will be collected in a vial or small test tube, which will be labeled with your details.

After the Test

Following the blood collection:

• A bandage will be placed over the insertion site to halt bleeding.
• There may be minor bruising, although feeling dizzy is uncommon. You may be advised to rest for a few minutes.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you notice bleeding, pain, or rashes at the puncture site.

The Blood Group Test procedure is followed to get to know what type of antigens are present in the blood cells and on that basis, what is the blood group of the person.

In total, the Blood Group Test blood sample is tested for three antigens:

• A antigen
• B antigen
• Rh antigen

Step One: Your obtained blood sample is mixed with the antibodies of two types of blood groups, Type A and Type B. After mixing, the blood sample is analysed to see if the blood cells have stuck together. If the blood cells end up sticking together, then this means that the blood sample has reacted with one of the antibodies.

Step Two: The liquid part of the blood sample without cells (called serum) is then mixed up with type A and type B blood. Based on this step, it is determined that people with the type A blood group have anti-B antibodies and people with the type B blood group have anti-A antibodies. In contrast, the Type O blood group contains both types of antibodies: anti-A and anti-B.

Step Three: This step determines whether the blood group is positive or negative based on the presence of the Rh factor in the Blood Group Test blood sample.

People with a positive in their blood group have the Rh protein present on their blood cell surface. In contrast, people with a negative in their blood group do not have the Rh protein on the cell surface.

Based on these three steps, the person’s blood group is determined as one of the following eight blood groups:

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

The result of determining a person's blood group is to see which other blood groups they are compatible with. Refer to the following table to get to know about the compatible blood groups and the kinds of antigens present in them: