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Aborhpnlbldbpu

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

A blood test that determines your blood type (ABO group) and Rh factor (positive or negative) to ensure safe blood transfusion.

Quick summary

{"Determines your ABO blood type (A, B, AB, or O)","Identifies your Rh factor (Rh positive or Rh negative)","Essential for safe blood transfusions and pregnancy care","A simple blood test with no special preparation needed","Results help doctors match compatible blood products"}

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
93916-5
Short code
ABO Rh
Synonyms
ABO + Rh Pnl Bld BPU
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
EDTA tube (purple top) or dedicated blood bank sample tube from blood product segment
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
Gel column agglutination or tube agglutination technique using anti-A, anti-B, anti-D (Rh) sera and A1, B red blood cells
CPT
86900
SNOMED
271565004
Specimen volume
2-5 mL from blood product segment or pilot tube
Stability
Room temperature: 24-72 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 7 days. Test should be completed within 48 hours of collection for optimal results.
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
1–4 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The ABO and Rh blood type test is a laboratory test that identifies your blood group and Rh factor. Your blood is classified into different types based on the presence or absence of certain antigens (proteins) on the surface of red blood cells. The ABO system includes four blood types: A, B, AB, and O. The Rh system classifies blood as either Rh positive (has the Rh antigen) or Rh negative (lacks the Rh antigen).

This test is performed on blood collected from a blood product unit, meaning the sample comes from a blood bag rather than directly from a patient. This is typically done to verify the blood type of donated blood products before they are used for transfusion, ensuring the right blood type is given to the right patient.

Reference range

Expected result is detection of ABO blood group (A, B, AB, or O) and Rh type (positive or negative). Each blood product unit must be correctly typed as A, B, AB, or O, and Rh(D) positive or negative.N/A

Specimen: serum

Not applicable - this test is performed on blood product units from blood donors, not patient specimens. No patient preparation required.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

The ABO and Rh blood type test is critical for several medical situations. For blood transfusions, receiving the wrong blood type can cause a life-threatening immune reaction. During pregnancy, knowing the mother's Rh status is important to prevent Rh incompatibility issues between mother and baby. This test is also essential before any surgery that might require blood transfusion, and for organ transplantation compatibility matching.

For blood product units, this test ensures that the donated blood is correctly labeled and stored with accurate type information, which is fundamental to patient safety in transfusion medicine.

Frequently asked questions

Does this test require fasting?
No, fasting is not required for this test. You can eat and drink normally before the test.
How is the sample collected?
For blood product units, a small sample is drawn from the blood bag using a sterile needle. For patient testing, a blood sample is typically collected from a vein in your arm.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are usually available within a few hours to one day, depending on the laboratory.
Is this test dangerous?
No, the test is very safe. You may feel slight pain or bruising at the collection site, but serious complications are extremely rare.
What happens if I need a blood transfusion?
Your doctor will match your blood type with compatible donor blood. Type O negative is the universal donor type, while AB positive is the universal recipient type for red blood cells.
  1. 1
    American Red Cross - Blood TypesSource
  2. 2
    May Clinic - Blood TypeSource

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