How to find out blood type

**shoiji** · 11-22-2011, 12:56 PM

Had to get bloodwork done today at the hospital. Thought I would ask if it was possible to find out my blood type. Apparently with all the bloodwork that has been done it is impossible to know what my blood type is unless I have had major surgery or a baby. This is what they told me in the medical records department of the hospital.

Just found this amazing to know. I assumed that since you get bloodwork done it would automatically tell you what bloodtype you are. What happens when you need emergency surgery? Do they have to run a special bloodtest if you never had major surgery or a baby.

Do I need to ask for a special blood test to find out? I vaguely remember in junior high looking at our blood under the microscope and being able to find out what blood type we were.

**frugalfranny** · 11-22-2011, 01:03 PM

Go give blood............they have to type it. They will tell you...........anyway, they do here.

You really should know your type......IMHO!

**Telephus44** · 11-22-2011, 01:18 PM

They won't test for your blood type unless it's requested. I've had a lot of blood drawn recently, and unless that's one of the tests they order, it's not done automatically.

I'm B+.

I agree that it's probably faster to donate blood if you're looking to find out your blood type quickly.

**moasmom** · 11-22-2011, 01:18 PM

I second the suggestion to donate blood. Aside from all of the good things that does for others, it gives you your blood type (and your iron levels) free! Oh, and free cookies are a nice bonus.

Kara

**Ali Lee** · 11-22-2011, 01:43 PM

Call your Dr's office & speak to his/her nurse. It should be in your medical record. OR call your Dr office, speak to the nurse & tell her/him you had a blood draw this morning & would like to know your blood type. Do it today.

**McD** · 11-22-2011, 02:22 PM

I'm A+ and so is Zac.

I know that due to our military service--it's printed on our dog tags.

**MaryCarney** · 11-22-2011, 02:23 PM

Here's the deal. Blood typing IS only done if you are pregnant or it is specifically ordered in anticipation of needing a transfusion. If these two situations have not happened to you, your doctor's office will NOT know this.
Typing IS done when you donate.
If you did need emergency surgery - a typing test is done AND you are cross-matched to the particular unit(s) of blood you may be given. Were it some type of life-or-death situation where even a 20 minute turnaround for this would be too long, every blood bank has O-negative blood which can be given
(it is 'universal donor' blood)
Which is why I find it amusing to see people include their blood type on things like identification. NO ONE in an ER would EVER give you blood based on that information. EVER.

ETA: McD is correct - service members are typed routinely.

**shoiji** · 11-22-2011, 02:46 PM

Thanks Mary. Was hoping someone in the medical field would help me sort this out. I would try to give blood, unfortunately right now I do not weigh enough. Anytime I would go they just look at me and said you don't weigh enough.

**MaryCarney** · 11-22-2011, 03:41 PM

How many pounds do you need? I'll be HAPPY to send you some.

**Pianolady** · 11-22-2011, 04:25 PM

When I gave blood the first time, they sent me a card with my blood type on it that I keep in my wallet.

**leighcat** · 11-22-2011, 04:44 PM

I know just because I had my kids. I am A- which is a pain in the butt when pregnant. I had to have a shot with my first pregnancy and he was born A+. They type the babies when the mom is negative to prevent the RH- factor from harming mom or baby. My daughter will have to go through the same thing since she got my bloodtype.

**frugalwarrior2** · 11-22-2011, 06:03 PM

Ditto leighcat. I am AB-. Which is rare. It is important to know your blood type. And your kids too.

**kitkat0649** · 11-23-2011, 12:29 AM

I'm A- too! I didn't find out till I was pregnant with my first dd. She also is A-. Our second dd got her dads O+ so I had to get another Rhogam shot after delivery.

**dcompton** · 11-23-2011, 10:21 AM

I can understand wanting to know as a matter of curiosity, but some of you seem to imply it's something you should know. Am I missing something? Why is that? As Mary Carney said, medical personnel would never, ever take your word for it.

I do have it on a blood bank card - I had to look at it to see (A+), but when I started to read the thread, I didn't have a clue. It's something I never thought it was important to remember.

**frugalfranny** · 11-23-2011, 11:24 AM

Originally Posted by dcompton

It's something I never thought it was important to remember.

Probably not dire consequences if you don't remember but I just feel that the more of YOUR HEALTH you know about, the better. At least you have had it typed..........and can look it up. Agree about the ER thing......and am glad for that.......I might make a mistake!!

Because I remember mine I gave the Dr. 'cause for pause' before a surgery, since my type isn't on every corner. (have had issues with blood and surgery, in the past) My sister is my
only match in my family........they took her name/number.........boy am I glad that didn't happen!!!!