Blood group test

To work out your blood group, your red cells are mixed with different antibody solutions. If, for example, the solution contains anti-B antibodies and you have B antigens on your cells (you are blood group B), it will clump together.

If the blood doesn't react to any of the anti-A or anti-B antibodies, it's blood group O. A series of tests with different types of antibody can be used to identify your blood group.

If you have a blood transfusion (where blood is taken from one person and given to another), your blood will be tested against a sample of donor cells that contain ABO and RhD antigens. If there's no reaction, donor blood with the same ABO and RhD type can be used.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dez 2018