What is blood typing?
Blood typing is a lab test that tells you what your blood type is—A, B, AB, or O—and whether you have the Rh factor (positive or negative). It’s important for safe blood transfusions, organ donations, and during pregnancy. Knowing your blood type can help prevent serious complications in medical situations.
Who is a candidate for blood typing?
You may need blood typing if you:
- Are donating or receiving blood
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- Are having surgery or a medical procedure
- Are registering as an organ or bone marrow donor
- Simply want to know your blood type for future reference
What to expect during blood typing
A healthcare provider will take a small blood sample from your arm or a finger prick. The sample is mixed with special liquids to see how it reacts. The process is quick and usually takes just a few minutes.
What are the risks for blood typing?
This test is very safe. You might feel a brief pinch during the blood draw, and some people get minor bruising or soreness afterward.
What does recovery from blood typing entail?
There’s no recovery time needed. You can return to your normal activities right away. Your blood type result is permanent—it doesn’t change—so you’ll only need this test once unless medical documentation is needed.