- Fasting and prep
- No fasting needed. Follow the instructions on your lab order.
- Turnaround
- Usually 1 to 2 days.
- Also called
- blood group test, abo rh, blood typing, rh factor test, what is my blood type
What it measures
The lab mixes your blood with antibodies that react to the A, B, and Rh(D) markers on red cells, then checks for clumping. A second step tests your serum against known cells to confirm the ABO group. Your parents' genes set your blood type.
Who should consider it
- People who are pregnant or planning pregnancy
- Anyone curious about their blood type
- People who plan to donate blood
- Anyone who wants the information on hand for medical records
How to read your result
- Your result lists a letter group and a plus or minus sign, such as O positive or A negative.
- Rh negative matters most in pregnancy. If an Rh negative parent carries an Rh positive baby, the parent can form antibodies that affect a later pregnancy.
- A consumer blood type result does not replace the crossmatch a hospital runs before any transfusion.
- O negative red cells can go to most people in emergencies, and AB positive people can receive most red cell types.
Reference ranges differ between labs. Use the range printed on your own report.
What to do next
If you are Rh negative and pregnant or planning pregnancy, share your result with your prenatal care team. ACOG recommends Rh immune globulin for Rh negative pregnant people at set times, such as around 28 weeks and after delivery of an Rh positive baby, and after bleeding or certain procedures. Your obstetric clinician decides the timing, and your prenatal labs will include their own blood type and antibody screen.
Where to order Blood type
These sellers include an independent physician order. You pay online and visit a partner lab. Availability, price, and lab network vary, so confirm at checkout.
Private MD Labs
Online lab seller- Order
- Every order reviewed by a physician. Says you pay $1 to start and the rest after results.
- Results
- Secure online portal with plain-English explanations. Says many results arrive overnight.
HealthLabs
Online lab seller- Order
- Online or by phone. No doctor referral or insurance needed.
- Results
- Secure HealthLabs account. Says 1 to 3 business days.
Walk-In Lab
Online lab seller- Order
- Online, no insurance or doctor order needed. Shows a $6 physician fee per order on popular tests.
- Results
- Online account. Turnaround not stated on its homepage.
Quest Health
Lab-run- Order
- Buy online and book a Quest appointment. An independent provider is involved.
- Results
- Online as soon as ready, with an email alert. Provider discussion included at no extra cost.
Seller details come from each seller's own site and can change. Confirm price, lab location, and state availability at checkout.
Ordering several tests? Plan them together · Filter all sellers
Questions people ask
Why does Rh factor matter in pregnancy?
An Rh negative parent can make antibodies against an Rh positive baby's red cells. A shot of Rh immune globulin prevents those antibodies, and prenatal care handles the timing.
Can my blood type change?
Almost never. Rare exceptions include a bone marrow transplant and some blood cancers.
Does my blood type affect my health risks?
Studies link some blood types to small differences in certain risks, such as blood clots in people with non-O types. These links are too small to change your care.
Can I order a blood type test without a doctor?
Yes. Online sellers include a physician order and a lab visit. Donating blood also tells you your type for free.
Related tests
- Pregnancy blood testConfirms pregnancy and measures the exact hCG level.
- Complete blood countRed cells, white cells, hemoglobin, and platelets.
- Measles, mumps, and rubellaChecks for protective antibodies to measles, mumps, and rubella.
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