Knowing your blood type is crucial: 3 easy ways to find out

Knowing your blood type is crucial for many reasons. I was recently filling out a volunteer application and was asked to submit it blood type. Luckily, I knew off the top of my head that I was typing O-positive, but I wanted to find documentation to confirm this. 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.

So how does someone find out their blood type if they don’t already know it?

If you have no clue what your type is, you are not alone. According to a 2019 CBS News poll, only 66% of Americans reported knowing their blood type. Thinking about your blood type can be vital to understanding your health, including yours Heart health – And your rescue in an emergency – It’s important to know what kind of blood circulation runs through your veins. The good news is your knowledge blood type Relatively simple and you have options. Here are three easy ways to find out your blood type.

Blood type basics

Blood types are classified into one of these eight groups: a positive, negative, b positive, b negative, x positive, x negative, ab positive, ab negative. But what determines the blood type and what does the blood type mean?

Blood types are determined by antigens — a substance that triggers an immune response — on the surface of red blood cells. There are ABO antigens, which determine the ABO blood type. It is determined by the ABO gene. For example:

• something like Your blood group has the A antigen
• write B The blood group contains the B antigen
• Type AB The blood group contains A and B antigens.
• Type O It does not produce any A or B antigen

There are also Rhesus antigens, which determine whether the blood is “positive” or “negative”. If you have Rh proteins on the surface of your red blood cells, you are Rh positive. If you do not have Rh proteins on the surface of your red blood cells, then your blood is Rh negative.

How do you type your blood?

Here are three main ways your blood type:

• Ask your doctor to do a blood test
• Blood Donation
• Use a home blood test

1. Clinical test

One of the easiest and most effective ways to determine your blood type is to have your doctor perform a test. A specialist will draw blood and then perform two tests on the blood sample: forward writing and reverse writing.

During forward typing, the blood sample is mixed with antibodies against blood group A and B. Depending on whether the blood cells stick together when mixed with the antibodies, your blood type can be determined from there. If your blood cells stick together when mixed with antibodies against blood type B, you have type B blood. If your blood cells stick together when mixed with antibodies against blood type A, you have type A blood.

To confirm the result, the next step is reverse typing, which means that a sample of blood that does not contain red blood cells — called serum — is mixed with Type A and Type B blood cells. Type A blood will have Type B blood antibodies in it. The sample and type B blood will contain antibodies against type A blood. Type O blood will have antibodies against type A and type B. So, if sticking occurs when serum is mixed with type B blood cells, you have type A blood, and if sticking occurs when serum is mixed with type A blood cells, you have A blood. type b

I recommend calling your doctor’s office to find out how much an out-of-pocket blood type test costs and if it’s covered by insurance.

2. Donate blood

This is an easy — and free — way to determine your blood type, but the results aren’t instant.

If you donate to a blood drive, you can simply ask the staff about your blood type. Blood is usually not tested right away, so it may take up to a few weeks to get results.

3. Home blood test

At-home tests are relatively simple. You will usually start by wiping your finger with an alcohol swab and then asked to prick your finger with a disposable scalpel to draw blood. Next, you will wipe the blood on the card provided. Depending on how dry, clumpy, or spread the blood is, you’ll be able to compare the blood spot to the scorecard. Within minutes, you will be able to determine your blood type.

More for your wellness

The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or health goals.