Abogroupblddonr
This test determines your ABO blood group (A, B, AB, or O) from a blood donation sample.
{"ABO blood typing identifies your blood type for safe blood transfusion","Four main blood types: A, B, AB, and O","Compatible blood type is essential for transfusion safety","This test is performed on all blood donations before use"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14579-7
- Short code
- ABO
- Synonyms
- ABO Group Bld Donr
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- EDTA lavender-top tube (K2 or K3) or ACD (yellow-top) tube
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 17–65 years
- Method
- Serologic agglutination (tube, gel, or slide method) using anti-A, anti-B, and anti-AB reagents with reverse typing using A1 and B indicator cells
- CPT
- 86900
- SNOMED
- 365589006
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL whole blood
- Stability
- Room temperature: 72 hours (21-25°C); Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Do not freeze. Stable up to 72 hours for serologic testing.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 1–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The ABO blood type test is a laboratory test that determines your blood group (A, B, AB, or O). This test is performed on blood collected from donors to ensure safe blood transfusion. Your ABO blood type is determined by the presence or absence of specific antigens (A and B) on the surface of red blood cells, and the antibodies in your plasma.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected from the donor and mixed with specific antibodies and antigens in the laboratory. The way the blood reacts helps determine the blood type. This process is called ABO typing and is part of the standard testing performed on all donated blood before it can be used for transfusions.
What do the results mean?
There are four main blood types: Type A (has A antigens), Type B (has B antigens), Type AB (has both A and B antigens), and Type O (has neither). Your blood type is inherited from your parents and remains constant throughout life. When receiving a blood transfusion, it is critical to receive compatible blood type to prevent serious reactions.
Reference range
Expected result is either A, B, AB, or O phenotype. Results must show concordance between forward and reverse typing. Interpretation: A = positive with anti-A, negative with anti-B; B = negative with anti-A, positive with anti-B; AB = positive with both anti-A and anti-B; O = negative with both anti-A and anti-BN/A
No fasting required. Patient should provide valid identification and consent for blood donation. No special dietary restrictions. Inform lab of recent blood transfusions, bone marrow transplant, or hematopoietic stem cell transplant within last 3 months as these may affect results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Does this test tell me my Rh factor?
How long does the test take?
Can my blood type change over time?
Is it painful?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3AABB - Blood TransfusionSource
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.
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