Where to find out what blood type. What blood types exist? Where to go to find out your blood type

Should a person know what his blood type is, or is this not at all necessary? The answer is clear: it is important not only to have this information, but also to note it in some documents.

Such information about yourself and your loved ones turns out to be extremely useful in a situation where the timeliness of providing assistance depends on knowledge of it.

Determining your blood type is a fairly simple procedure. It is carried out not only in inpatient hospital conditions during examination.

You can find out the necessary information at any clinic. To do this, you need to take a referral for testing from your family doctor or therapist.

Having received the results, it is advisable to enter the indicators into documents - a medical card, policy, military ID, identity card or passport. Some people purchase a special bracelet that contains information not only about the group, but also about the Rh factor.

Determination methods

How to find out your blood type? You can turn to a variety of methods. The most common indicators that provide a high level of accuracy are the following:

1. Laboratory analysis. This is the simplest and most effective way. Its use makes it possible to obtain the most accurate results, since the blood is examined using special equipment by highly qualified laboratory technicians.
2. Donor blood collection. Also ensures accuracy and quick determination of indicators.
3. Tests used at home. The data obtained using these innovative methods is also accurate. However, without certain knowledge in the field of biology, not everyone can independently decipher such meanings.

There are also theories for calculating blood type based on taste preferences and a person’s belonging to one of the psychological types. But there are many conflicting opinions regarding the possibility of using such determination methods.

Classification

The distribution of blood into four groups was proposed by the Austrian scientist Landsteiner. It contributed to a significant reduction in deaths associated with incompatibility between the patient’s and donor’s blood when transfusion was required.

The algorithm for determining blood types is based on the presence/absence of antigens and antibodies in it. The fundamental factor of such a study is the ratio of the location of these components on red blood cells.

The unified AB0 system, adopted throughout the world, distinguishes 4 main blood groups based on special variants of the agglutination reaction, taking into account antigens and antibodies. The main indicator of affiliation is considered to be agglutinins - antibodies that are contained in plasma.

For example, groups I and III are characterized by the presence of α-agglutinin. But β-agglutinin is present in the blood of groups I and II. It should be noted that antigens A and B on red blood cells are located in three combinations:

• both components are present;
• there is one of them;
• both are missing.

Considering the belonging of blood to one of the groups, you can see the picture reflected in the table:

The leading place in terms of prevalence is occupied by the first and second groups. The fourth is very rare.

In addition to digital indicators, the medical card also contains letter designations. It looks like this:

• 00 - first group;
• 0A, AA - second;
• 0B, BB - third;
• AB is the fourth.

No less important is an antigen such as the Rh factor.

Decoding indicators

It is not difficult even for people ignorant of medicine to understand its meaning based on the results of a blood test. In the analysis results it is represented as “+” or “-”, which means positive or negative.

The Rh factor (RH) is of particular importance when planning pregnancy. The most favorable combination for partners is two “+” or both “-”.

Otherwise, there may be a Rh conflict between mother and child, which negatively affects his condition.

Compatibility of blood during transfusion

As already mentioned, knowledge of the different blood types according to group affiliation prevents the possibility of incompatibility and deaths when administered to patients from donors.

There are research results that determine that if transfusion is necessary, the following combinations of donor blood are allowed:

1. The first group, distinguished by the presence of two types of agglutinin, is suitable for almost all others.
2. The second is suitable for patients in group II or IV.
3. The third is allowed to be transfused only to those with III and IV.
4. The fourth is suitable only for group IV.

Interesting! The first group is the oldest. The second and third are a consequence of population migration. The fourth is considered the rarest due to its latest occurrence.

Blood testing methods

A variety of forms and methods allows you to accurately determine indicators. To do this, you can go to the clinic or use tests for home examination.

Standard method

This option is distinguished by its reliability and ease of execution.

A few drops of blood are taken from the patient's finger and standard serum is used. It is prepared from blood plasma that contains antibodies. An isotonic sodium chloride solution is added to it.

A standard reagent corresponding to all four groups is placed in drops on a special flat plate with round wells. The patient's blood is then added and mixed with existing reagent samples. Results are ready in five minutes.

Decoding

The serum becomes light. But in some samples the coagulation process is observed, while in others this does not happen. The definition process is as follows:

1. If the reaction does not occur in all samples except 1, the patient is in the first group.
2. Group 2 is indicated by the formation of flakes in all samples except the second.
3. Group 3 is determined in the absence of a reaction only in the sample with reagent No. 3.
4. With sample group 4, the reaction is observed in all samples.

If the picture is not clear enough, the research procedure is repeated and microscopy is used.

Crossover method

To avoid mistakes in the case of a weakly expressed agglutinin reaction, they resort to examination using a cross reaction.

Unlike the previous method, the analysis uses not standard isohemagglutinating serum, but the patient’s blood. To do this, it is processed in a centrifuge, and then the serum is removed from it.

Progress in determining results

Only two tests are performed. 1 drop of the resulting serum sample is deposited into special wells. A standard reagent of group II is added to one, and group III to the other. Mixing these components results in the following values:

• the first group corresponds to the manifestation of coagulation in two samples;
• with the fourth, the reaction does not occur in the samples at all;
• if it is observed in only one sample, then the definition of the group depends on the presence/absence of flocs in the sample.

The further course of decoding the last option is the same as with the standard method described above.

Application of zoliclones

Instead of standard serum, synthetic agglutinins - zoliclones - are used to determine indicators. The advantages of this method are a very fast response compared to previous methods and high accuracy of results.

The progress of the study and interpretation of the results are the same as when using the standard method.

Express test

Using the “Erythrotest-group cards” set makes it possible to quickly identify the necessary information not only in laboratory conditions, but also in extreme situations.

In this tablet for determining indicators, there is a card with indentations, at the bottom of which there are dry standard serums, as well as a reagent that determines the Rh factor.

To conduct such a blood group test, just add a drop of water to the dry reagents and introduce the patient’s blood, then carefully mix all the components with glass rods. After 5 minutes you can read the result.

If the values ​​are necessary for an operation or transfusion, a repeat study is required, accompanied by a compatibility check.

This approach is due to the presence in the blood of antigens that are not studied by the ABO system, but manifest themselves to a weak degree. Their detection is necessary only in patients with serious pathologies.

How to define a group yourself

At home, you can use not only a tablet, but also a test in the form of a cardboard, the margins of which reflect your blood type. It is enough to just apply a small amount of it to the fields.

The Eldoncard express card, which was developed in Denmark, also allows you to simplify the procedure for determining your blood type and Rh factor to the maximum.

You can conduct the test without special preparation. It will require a few drops of water or a special injection solution. The actions are similar to those described when using Erythrotest.

Eldoncard is a reusable test, which distinguishes it from its analogues. The only condition for its reuse is the application of a film that protects it from the effects of the external environment.

Other definitions

The question of concern to future parents about the blood type and Rh factor of the child can be answered with relatively high reliability without tests even before his birth.

In most cases, the baby inherits the parent's variant values. For example, in the first group, both partners have a 100% chance of having an heir with the same type.

If the parents have different values, the baby will become the owner of his mother’s or father’s type. The chances of any option are equal.

The technique is not suitable for determining paternity using such parameters. For this purpose, a DNA test is performed. This is due to various subtleties, a more thorough study of blood components not provided for by the ABO system.

You can experiment with independently determining the group and rhesus, if we are not talking about serious health problems. There is a high probability of erroneous indicators, which may cause undesirable consequences due to the incompatibility of donor blood during transfusion.

Knowing your blood type is necessary in case you suddenly have to get a transfusion. Currently, only single-type blood is transfused to reduce the risks of incompatibility and potential complications. Do you know your blood type? Can you tell me how to find out a child’s blood type, for example? If not yet, read on to find out how you can find out your blood type!

Finding out a person's blood type

In fact, everything is simple, within the framework of the school curriculum. The blood group itself is a kind of identifier of an individual. It does not change its composition throughout life and is passed on from parent to child.

Nowadays, a colossal number of blood groups have been discovered. But the main one is still the “a-be-zero” (AB0) system. Red blood cells contain antigens, plasma contains antibodies.

So, remember that in human red blood cells, following this system, there may be antigens A and B, or they may be completely absent (0). Blood plasma may contain antibodies to antigens a and b.

There are 4 main blood groups according to the AB0 system:

1. Group I (0) – there are no agglutinogens at all in erythrocytes, but agglutinins a and b are present in plasma;
2. Group II (A) – erythrocytes contain A, plasma – b;
3. Group III (B) – B is found in erythrocytes, a is found in plasma;
4. Group IV (AB) - in erythrocytes A and B, there are absolutely no agglutinins in the plasma.

There is also the concept of the Rh factor (also a system of antigens that is not inherent in all people). The Rh factor can be either positive or negative. There are fewer people with negative Rh factor than with positive ones. A blood designation such as II (A) Rh+, for example, indicates the presence of a second blood group with a positive Rh factor. All this is found out when you take a special blood test.

How to find out your blood type, knowing the blood types of your parents?

A little math. Since each of us receives one gene from our parents: one from the father and one from the mother (that is, if the mother’s blood type is the fourth (AB), and the father’s is the second (A0), then try to combine the options obtained from child. Take one gene from each, and you will see that such parents can have children with all blood types, but with different chances, the second group in this case wins in probability.

In our world, most often people have the first or second blood group. The rarest is the fourth, it occurs on average in 4 out of 100 people, and in the world of people with blood type 4 there are only 5-7% of the total population.

How to find out your blood type? All you need to do is take a blood group test and you won’t have to wait long for the results. In addition, if you have previously taken tests (before surgery or for a transfusion), then look at the documents, now you know how to determine your blood type using Latin identifier letters. For those who served in the army, it’s even easier - remember the tag on your chest, your Rh factor and blood type were indicated on it. Like in Viktor Tsoi’s song, only now not on the sleeve, but on the chest.

You see, finding out your blood type is not so difficult. It’s enough to take a test or serve in the army, that’s all! =)

Be healthy and do not neglect such important information as knowing your blood type.

Of course, every person should know their own blood type. “Why is this even necessary?” - you ask. The fact is that our lives are sometimes unpredictable and various kinds of unforeseen circumstances often arise. The question of how to find out your blood type should be asked by everyone who does not have information on this matter. For example, there has been an accident, the victim has lost a lot of blood, doctors ask for help, they urgently need a transfusion or there will be death. If you are somewhere nearby, knowing at the same time what your blood type and Rh is, will you really remain indifferent to someone else’s misfortune? What if your family and friends get hurt? Unfortunately, in this case, it may be too late to wonder how to find out your blood type.

And when prescribing a particular diet, the above factor has priority. In any case, there can be many situations.

What is blood made of?

Before we move on to the question of how to find out your blood type, let’s analyze what the red liquid consists of. Many people know that it contains plasma and dense formed elements. Thanks to the first component, the “yushka” in the body is liquid, so all organs and vital systems receive nutrients in a timely manner. The formed elements are leukocytes, erythrocytes and platelets, which ensure blood clotting. The structure of platelets also includes antigens of two groups “A” and “B”.

Blood serum contains agglutinins, which are also divided into alpha and beta categories.

In the process of laboratory analysis, different samples are combined with each other and their reaction determines which group each of them belongs to. This research method was called the “ABO system.” Experts have found that today there are over one and a half million different groups based on the individual characteristics of each person.

At the same time, there is a standard classification, according to which there are four categories, within each of which there can be either a negative or a positive Rh factor. Moreover, the second one is usually dominant. For example, if one parent has blood type 1 with positive Rh, and the other has the same group, but is Rh negative, then their offspring will be 90% Rh positive. This is another reason to inquire about how to find out your blood type.

In which institutions can you find out your own blood type?

It should be noted that the study of “red” liquid for the Rh group is quite common.

The above analysis is mandatory for women who are pregnant, as well as young people called up for service in the Russian Armed Forces.

Don't have the slightest idea where to find out your blood type? Naturally, at the clinic at your place of registration. Consult your local GP about this issue. Moreover, no appointments are required for this. Of course, the doctor will try to provide you with every possible assistance in this matter, since not everyone currently cares about their own health. Where else can I find out my blood type? In a specialized medical institution. It is called a blood transfusion station. This is where people become honorary donors.

Analysis procedure

In the morning on an empty stomach, blood will be taken from a vein and sent to the laboratory, where it will be examined through a simple immunohematological reaction. The meaning of the analysis is quite simple. Using a wax pencil, a laboratory technician makes eight marks on a flat plate according to the number of groups and Rh factors in each of them. Next, next to each of them, a “standard” serum is placed, into the structure of which a small amount of the patient’s blood is added. If the serum antigen combines with the antibody of the “red” liquid, and sand precipitates, this means that an agglutination reaction has occurred.

In order to be sure of the final result, it is additionally confirmed by a cross reaction, which allows you to accurately determine the Rh factor. Moreover, the rarest blood group is the fourth “negative”. Information about the results of the analysis is entered into the passport, since this is the main document for a person.

Is it possible to determine your blood type yourself?

Of course, not everyone has the time or desire to visit doctors. In this regard, some people are interested in the question of where to find out their blood type without resorting to the help of doctors. Well, you can make attempts to find out this yourself. However, we should immediately warn you that without special knowledge in the field of medicine, determining your blood type is quite a difficult task. In addition, no one will give you any guarantees that you were not mistaken.

There is a certain percentage of people who believe that there is no need to do any blood group testing, and that the “red liquid” can be identified based on a person’s external data. In particular, if he has a big nose, it means he is the owner of the first group, if he has huge eyes, he is of the second group, if he has cold ears, he is of the third group, and plump lips are evidence that the fourth blood group flows in his veins.

Of course, it is difficult to judge the degree of effectiveness of the above method, and there are doubts here.

Others advise determining your blood type based on how quickly it clots. An incision is made on the finger, and then it remains to be seen how quickly the wound heals. It is believed that the worse the blood clotting, the lower its group. But then a completely natural question arises: “Isn’t it easier to visit a clinic and get tested?”

Alternative options

To solve the problem under consideration, you can view the information contained in the parents’ passports. Representatives of the weaker sex usually inherit their father's blood type, while the stronger sex inherits their mother's blood type. If the parents have an identical blood category, then the child will have the same blood category.

The easiest way to find out your own group is to look at the medical record, which is mandatory for everyone who has visited a doctor at least once in their life.

Conclusion

Whichever method you use from the above, the most reliable is an analysis in a medical institution.

New technologies certainly open up new horizons of knowledge, and there are rumors that it will soon be possible to purchase a special test at the pharmacy that will help accurately determine your blood type at home. But for now these are just rumors.

Doctors say that a person’s blood type is individual, since the individual antigenic characteristics of red blood cells are described in this way using special designations. How can you find out your blood type, and can this be done at home?

Blood group and its types

It is customary for medical specialists to group the blood of different people into certain groups. The most common system for such gradation is the ABO system - a-b-zero. It is based on immunogenetic blood characteristics that everyone has in the form of antigens. They can be found in red blood cells, leukocytes, platelets, and plasma. Those antigens that are found in red blood cells are called agglutinogens, and agglutinins (antibodies) are located in the plasma.

Depending on the content of antigens or antibodies in a person’s blood, you can find out both his group and its Rh factor:

1. Group 1 is characterized by the fact that it does not have antigens in erythrocytes, but there are antibodies in the plasma. It is usually denoted “0”.
2. Group 2 contains antigen A and antibodies B.
3. Group 3 contains antigen B and antibodies A.
4. Group 4 combines antigens A and B without having antibodies.

The second classification system for human blood is the Rh system. It is based on the determination of a protein in red blood cells, which also plays the role of an antigen. The mechanism for determining Rh is quite simple: if the protein is present on the surface of red blood cells, then this is a positive result, if absent, it is negative.

Thus, according to their type, each of the four groups is Rh positive or negative. That is, one of eight types of blood can be detected in a person.

How is blood type determined?

To accurately find out your blood type and its Rh, you should contact a special medical laboratory. It is here that this will be determined with the most reliable accuracy. You will need a finger prick test, which will be mixed with a small amount of standard antibodies (monoclanal, they are produced by immune cells against the protein). During the mixing process, a biochemical reaction occurs, thanks to which laboratory specialists will decipher the results obtained. So, in some cases the blood clots in the form of flakes, but in others it does not.

Find out your blood type at home

Many people wonder: is it possible to find out your blood type at home? Experts answer: yes, it is possible.

To conduct such a mini-examination, you need to perform a number of simple steps:

1. Purchase an express test from a pharmacy to determine your blood type at home (it usually includes instructions, a cardboard strip for applying the sample taken, a diagram card for comparing the results with generally accepted standards, an auto-needle, a plastic pipette, and a disinfectant wipe).
2. Read the instructions for performing the rapid test at home (by the way, most often it is written in English).
3. Prepare a place for a mini-examination:
   • seclude yourself so that no one disturbs you;
   • clean the surface on which the reaction will be carried out (for example, a table, of course, not to the point of complete sterility, but it is desirable that there are no crumbs or other food debris on it).
4. Wash your hands (you will need one of your fingers, usually your left index finger).
5. Unpack a sterile disinfectant wipe and use it to treat the site of the future puncture for blood collection.
6. Open the cap of the auto-needle and make a puncture, wait a little until a drop of blood of the required size (for example, the size of a match head) collects on the surface of the skin of the finger, wipe the wound with a disinfectant wipe.
7. Place the resulting drop in a plastic pipette.
8. From the pipette, squeeze its contents onto the cardboard test strip with reagents (a few drops may be needed, so you need to massage your finger a little for additional blood flow if it does not appear on its own).
9. Wait for the result and compare it with a visual diagram card.