Synonyms: N/A

WHY IT IS DONE

Before a person gets a blood transfusion.Before a person donates blood.Before a person donates an organ for transplantation.Before surgery.When a woman is planning to become pregnant or first becomes pregnant.To show whether two people could be blood relatives.To check the identify of a person suspected of committing a crime.

Test Overview

Blood type tests are done before a person gets a blood transfusion and to check a pregnant woman's blood type. Human blood is typed by certain markers (called antigens) on the surface of red blood cells. Blood type may also be done to see if two people are likely to be blood relatives.

HOW TO PREPARE

No special preparation is necessary for this test.