Find out your blood type quickly and easily with a blood type test
Want to know your blood type? With our analysis, you will receive an answer to your blood type and Rh status (ABO-RhD) within a few days. Knowing your blood type is important both in emergency care situations, such as blood transfusions and surgeries, and in planned cases such as pregnancy or blood donation. Order your test today!
What is included in a blood group analysis?
When analyzing your blood group, you will receive the following answers:
- ABO and RhD grouping: Your blood group (A, B, AB or O) and whether you are Rh-positive or Rh-negative.
- Erythrocyte antibody screening: Identification of irregular antibodies that can affect blood transfusions or pregnancies.
- Quality-assured analysis: Performed by the Karolinska University Laboratory for the highest precision.
Genotype is included and is the basis of your blood group
Blood group is determined not only by the antigens on the surface of your red blood cells, but also by your genotype – that is, the genes you carry in your DNA. The genotype determines whether you are Rh-positive or Rh-negative, depending on whether you have the RhD antigen (the D gene) or lack it completely. If you have at least one D gene (the DD or Dd genotype), you are Rh-positive, while the absence of the D gene (dd) means that you are Rh-negative. The combination of the ABO and Rh systems thus gives rise to the eight basic blood groups: A⁺, A⁻, B⁺, B⁻, AB⁺, AB⁻, O⁺ and O⁻.
The genotype analysis is always included in the price of the blood group test and allows you to get a more accurate and reliable determination of your blood group. Genetic analysis is particularly valuable in cases of weak or unusual antigen expression and is used, among other things, before blood transfusions, pregnancy or organ transplants, where even small genetic differences can be of great importance.
What is a blood group?
Your blood group is determined by markers, called antigens, that are on the surface of your red blood cells. Blood types are divided into two main systems:
- ABO system: Determines whether your blood type is A, B, AB, or O, based on the antigens found on your red blood cells.
- Rh system: Determines whether you are Rh-positive (have the D antigen) or Rh-negative (lack the D antigen).
These systems are crucial in ensuring that blood transfusions and other medical procedures are safe.
ABO system: Four main groups
The ABO system is divided into the following blood types:
- A: Has the A antigen and anti-B antibodies.
- B: Has the B antigen and anti-A antibodies.
- AB: Has both A and B antigens and lack antibodies.
- O: Lacks both A and B antigens but has both anti-A and anti-B antibodies.
Blood type A is most common in Sweden (about 44%), followed by O (38%), while B and AB are more uncommon.
The Rh system: Are you positive or negative?
The Rh system indicates whether you have the D antigen (Rh-positive) or lack it (Rh-negative). In Sweden, about 85% of the population is Rh-positive, while 15% is Rh-negative. Rh status is particularly important during pregnancy and blood transfusions, as a mismatch can cause serious complications.
Red blood cell antibody screening
Screening for irregular antibodies identifies antibodies that may have formed after blood transfusions or pregnancies. These can cause complications with future transfusions or pregnancies and are therefore important to detect.
Who should have a blood type analysis?
A blood type analysis is recommended for you who:
- Want to know your blood type for safety and health reasons.
- Plan to become a blood donor.
- Are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
- Have had blood transfusions or are about to undergo surgery.
Knowing your blood type is important for your health and can be crucial in both emergency and planned situations.
