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Aborhbldc

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test determines your blood type (A, B, AB, or O) and Rh factor (positive or negative) using a small blood sample from your fingertip.

Quick summary

{"Identifies your ABO blood type (A, B, AB, or O)","Determines your Rh factor (positive or negative)","Essential for safe blood transfusions and pregnancy care","Uses a small sample from a finger prick","Results help ensure blood compatibility between donors and recipients"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
884-7
Short code
ABO Rh Capillary
Synonyms
ABO + Rh BldC
Category
chemistry
Sample
whole-blood
Container
Capillary blood collection using microtainer with EDTA (lavender top) or capillary tubes
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 0 years
Method
Gel column agglutination or tube agglutination with forward (cell) and reverse (serum) grouping
CPT
86900
SNOMED
365767008
Specimen volume
0.5-1.0 mL of capillary blood, typically 2-3 capillary tubes filled
Stability
Room temperature: 72 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days. Do not freeze. Test should be performed within 72 hours of collection for optimal results.
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
1–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The ABO and Rh blood type test is a simple laboratory test that identifies two important characteristics of your blood: your ABO blood group (A, B, AB, or O) and your Rh factor (positive or negative). This test uses a small sample of blood taken from a capillary (usually from your fingertip) to determine these critical blood markers.

How is the test performed?

A healthcare professional will clean your fingertip with an antiseptic, then use a small lancet to prick your finger and collect a few drops of blood. The blood sample is then mixed with special antibodies (serum) to see how your red blood cells react. This helps determine your ABO type. For Rh testing, the sample is examined for the presence of the D antigen (Rh factor). Results are typically available within the same day.

Why is this test important?

Knowing your blood type is crucial for several medical situations. It ensures safe blood transfusions by matching compatible blood between donors and recipients. During pregnancy, this test helps healthcare providers monitor potential Rh incompatibility between mother and baby. It is also important for organ transplantation, surgical procedures, and emergency medical care.

What do the results mean?

Your ABO blood type indicates which antigens are present on your red blood cells: Type A has A antigens, Type B has B antigens, Type AB has both A and B antigens, and Type O has neither. The Rh factor indicates whether you have the D antigen (Rh positive) or not (Rh negative). Together, these results determine your complete blood type, such as A positive, O negative, or AB negative.

Reference range

Blood type is reported as ABO group (A, B, AB, or O) and Rh status (Positive or Negative). All types are considered normal findings.N/A

Specimen: whole-blood

No special preparation required. Patient may eat and drink normally. Inform laboratory of recent blood transfusions or bone marrow transplant as these may affect results.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Blood type compatibility is critical for safe blood transfusions. Receiving the wrong blood type can trigger a severe and potentially life-threatening immune reaction. For pregnancy, Rh-negative mothers may need special care if their baby is Rh-positive to prevent complications. Blood type information is also used in paternity testing, forensic investigations, and as a general health screening tool.

Frequently asked questions

Does it hurt?
The test involves a small prick on your fingertip, which may cause brief discomfort similar to a minor pinprick. The pain is minimal and lasts only a moment.
Do I need to fast before this test?
No fasting is required for the ABO and Rh blood type test. You can eat and drink normally before the test.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available within a few hours to one business day, depending on the laboratory's processing time.
Will I need this test more than once?
Your blood type does not change throughout your lifetime, so you typically only need this test once. However, retesting may be recommended if there are concerns about sample accuracy or if needed for medical records.
What is the difference between Rh positive and Rh negative?
Rh positive means the D antigen is present on your red blood cells. Rh negative means the D antigen is absent. This distinction is important for blood transfusions and pregnancy, as Rh-negative individuals can develop antibodies if exposed to Rh-positive blood.
  1. 1
    Mayo Clinic - Blood typingSource
  2. 2
    American Red Cross - Blood TypesSource
  3. 3
    National Institutes of Health - Blood TypesSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy