Everyone Should Know Their Blood Type: 3 Methods to Find Out Yours
Two years ago, I filled out an application to volunteer at Children’s Hospital, and the form asked me to provide my blood type. Fortunately, I knew right away that I was Type O positive, but I needed documentation to confirm this information. I called my mom to see if my blood type was listed on my birth certificate – no luck. I checked my doctor’s health portal – no luck either.
This got me wondering: How does a person know their blood type if they don’t know it?
don’t know your blood type This can be a problem when it comes to your overall health. No matter your age or health condition, It’s important to know whether you are Type A, Type B or Type O. Having this information can be crucial if you have a medical emergency, and it can make it easier to donate blood or fill out certain forms.
If you don’t know what your type is, you’re not alone. According to a 2019 CBS News poll, only 66% of Americans report knowing their blood type. Considering your blood type is critical to understanding your health, including your heart health – Save your life in an emergency – It is important to know what kind of blood is flowing through your veins. The good news is that you were discovered blood type Relatively simple, you have options. Here are three simple ways to determine your blood type.
Blood type basics
Blood types are divided into one of eight groups: A positive, A negative, B positive, B negative, O positive, O negative, AB positive, and AB negative. But what determines blood type and what does it mean?
Blood type is determined by antigens (substances that trigger an immune response) on the surface of red blood cells. ABO antigen represents the ABO blood group. This is determined by the ABO gene. For example:
- Type A Blood type has A antigen
- Type B Blood type has B antigen
- AB type Blood type has both A and B antigens
- O type Does not produce any A or B antigens
There is also Rhesus (Rh) antigen, which determines whether the blood is “positive” or “negative.” If you have Rh protein on the surface of your red blood cells, you are Rh positive. If you don’t have Rh protein on the surface of your red blood cells, your blood is negative.
Blood types are divided into one of eight groups: A positive, A negative, B positive, B negative, O positive, O negative, AB positive, and AB negative.
How to find your blood type?
Here are the three main methods of blood typing:
- Have your doctor do a blood test
- Donate blood
- Blood test at home
1. Clinical trials
One of the easiest and most effective ways to determine your blood type is to have your doctor perform a test. A professional will draw blood and then run two tests on the blood sample: forward typing and reverse typing.
During forward typing, the blood sample is mixed with antibodies for blood types A and B. Your blood type can be determined based on whether your blood cells stick together when mixed with antibodies. If your blood cells stick together when mixed with type B blood antibodies, you have type B blood. If your blood cells stick together when mixed with type A blood antibodies, you have type A blood.
To confirm the results, the next step is reverse typing, which means mixing a blood sample without red blood cells (called serum) with type A and type B blood cells. A sample of type A blood will contain antibodies against type B blood, and type B blood will contain antibodies against type A blood. Type O blood will contain antibodies against types A and B. So if adhesions occur when serum is mixed with type B blood cells, you have type A blood, and if adhesions occur when serum is mixed with type A blood cells, you have type B blood.
I recommend calling your doctor’s office to find out the out-of-pocket cost of a blood type test and whether insurance will cover it.
2. Donate blood
It’s a simple and free way to determine your blood type, but the results aren’t immediate.
If you’re attending a blood drive, just ask the staff what your blood type is. Blood is usually not tested right away, so it can take several weeks to get results.
With an at-home kit, you can determine your blood type in just a few minutes.
3. Blood test at home
Testing at home is relatively simple. Typically, you will first wipe your finger with an alcohol wipe and then prick your finger with a disposable lancet to draw blood. You will then wipe the blood off the card provided. Depending on how the blood dries, clumps, or spreads, you’ll be able to compare the blood stain to the score card. Within minutes, you can determine your blood type.
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