How to prepare for the test
No special preparation is necessary for this test.
How the test will feel
Some people have discomfort when the needle is inserted. Others may only feel a tiny prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a bruise may develop.
Why the test is performed
This test is done to determine a person's blood type. Health care providers need to know your blood type when you get a blood transfusion or transplant, because not all blood types are compatible with each other. For example:
- If you have type A blood, you can only receive types A and O blood.
- If you have type B blood, you can you can only receive types B and O blood.
- If you have type AB blood, you can only receive types A, B, AB, and O blood.
- If you have type O blood, you can you can only receive type O blood.
Type O blood can be given to anyone with any blood type. That is why people with type O blood are called universal donors.
Blood typing is especially important during pregnancy. If the mother is found to be Rh-, the father should also be tested. If the father has Rh+ blood, the mother needs to receive a treatment to help prevent the development of substances that may harm the unborn baby. See:
If you are Rh+, you can receive Rh+ or Rh- blood. If you are Rh-, you can only receive Rh- blood.
