Blood Type Test: About Your Child's Test
What is it?
Blood type tests are used to check what blood type your child has. Blood is "typed" according to whether certain markers, called antigens, are on the surface of red blood cells.
The ABO test is a common blood type test. The ABO test shows which of four blood types your child has: A, B, AB, or O. These letters stand for which kind of antigen is on your child's red blood cells. If your child's red blood cells don't have either the A or B antigen, your child has type O blood.
Why is this test done?
A blood type test is done:
- To help check whether jaundice in a newborn might be serious. If your baby's blood type is different than the mother's, the risk is higher.
- Before your child gets a blood transfusion.
- Before your child has surgery.
How do you prepare for the test?
You don't need to do anything before your child has this test.
How is the test done?
A health professional takes a sample of your blood.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if your child is having problems. Ask your doctor when you can expect to have your child's test results.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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Current as of: May 13, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
