Comprehensive Blood Type Analysis

In critical medical situations such as emergency blood transfusions to organ transplants and pregnancies — the knowledge of one’s blood type and Rh factor is indispensable. Easly’s Blood Type Test offers a prompt and accurate method to discern these crucial details.

Understanding the Four Blood Types

A common question people ask is, “Which blood type do I belong to?” Blood is diverse, and it’s classified into four primary groups: A, B, AB, and O. The classification is based on the presence or absence of specific antigens. Individuals might carry the A or B antigen, or even both. Conversely, type O individuals lack both.

The Rh Factor

The Rh factor is another vital component. It determines the presence of the Rh-D antigen on your blood cells. If you have this antigen, you’re Rh positive (Rh+). If absent, you’re Rh negative (Rh-). This factor is combined with your blood type, resulting in classifications like A+ or AB-.

Understanding both the blood type and Rh factor is imperative for transfusions, ensuring compatibility. During pregnancies, the blood type and Rh factor of both parents are pivotal. If an Rh-negative mother conceives with an Rh-positive father, the risk of Rh disease escalates. In this condition, the mother’s immune system might produce antibodies against the fetus’s blood cells, potentially leading to complications like anemia or neurological issues in the newborn. Fortunately, administering an anti-RhD immunoglobulin injection to an Rh-negative expectant mother can mitigate this risk.

How does the blood type test kit work?

Upon acquiring Easly’s blood type test kit, you can proceed to a local puncture point for blood collection. Depending on the facility, you might need an appointment or can opt for a walk-in. Present the lab form to the technician, who will then draw a blood sample. It’s crucial to dispatch this sample to our laboratory using the provided return envelope on the same day, especially avoiding Fridays and Saturdays due to weekend mail restrictions. Our state-of-the-art laboratory will analyze the antigens on your red blood cells, and within 48 hours of receipt, we’ll ascertain and communicate your blood type and Rh factor.

Note: If your blood type needs to be determined for medical reasons, the treating doctor will always request it, and a blood group self-test is not necessary.