How to Determine Blood Type

Human blood types are categorized by the presence or absence of proteins in the cells. The combination of these proteins determines your blood type. The most common form of blood typing is the use of the ABO blood grouping system. This system separates the blood types of humans into four categories: A, B, AB or O.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Look through old medical records. Birth records and past lab work often list your blood type. If you've been pregnant, they are required to type your blood in order to prevent a reaction occurring between you and your baby's blood.
2. Ask your doctor for a blood typing test. The test involves the doctor drawing your blood and then sending it out for analysis. Ask that a copy of the results be sent or faxed to your home for you to keep in your records.
3. Donate blood. Before blood can be given in a transfusion, blood typing must be done. When you donate blood, you can request to be notified of your blood type if you are unaware of it.
4. Send away for a home kit. These kits are low cost and provide you with your blood type within minutes. The Eldoncard Blood Typing Kit includes everything that you need to perform the test.
5. Keep the results of the blood typing test in a convenient place that you can often refer to. Many people simply forget the results of their blood typing test. If you store the results in a safe place, you won't have to repeat the test.

Tips & Warnings

• It is important to know your blood type, especially if you plan to donate blood. The Red Cross and other organizations are often looking for certain blood types when they hold drives.
• If you do ask your doctor to perform a blood typing test, be aware that you may have to pay for the test. Unless it is medically necessary, your insurance is likely to deny it.