Have you used a home testing kit for a medical diagnosis?

COVID-19 RATs are an example of these types of tests but we are interested in the many others on the market.

The University of Wollongong is conducting a small study about them and we'd like to hear from you if you have used one or considered using one.

Simply complete a short survey at:
https://uow.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eeodpzn8lgSsAbI

From here, we may invite you to take part in a paid interview.

For more information, contact Dr Patti Shih: pshih@uow.edu.au
 

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At a glance

Also known as

BG; Bld Grp; ABO & RhD

Why get tested?

To determine your blood group in preparation for a possible blood transfusion or treatment with specific blood components or products.

When to get tested?

If your doctor indicates that transfusion with blood or blood components may be required as part of your medical treatment, or as part of antenatal screening undertaken during pregnancy.

Sample required?

A blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm or a finger-prick or heel-prick (newborns).

Frequency of testing?

Your blood group will be determined prior to receiving a blood transfusion. Where medical treatment requires ongoing transfusions over a period of time a group of tests (blood group antibody screen, crossmatch) will be repeated every 72 hours in order to reduce the possibility of a transfusion reaction.

Test preparation needed?

None

What is being tested?

A blood group is commonly performed as part of a group of tests. These tests include ABO and RhD blood groups, a blood group antibody screen and a crossmatch.

Blood groups are chemical structures (most commonly proteins or carbohydrates) on the outside surface of the red blood cell. These chemical structures usually have a defined function such as determining the shape of the cell or the transport of chemicals into, or out of, the red blood cell. In addition, they determine a person’s blood group.

There are over 200 different blood groups known. The most important ones are the ABO and the RhD blood groups. These are routinely determined prior to transfusion and during pregnancy. These two blood group systems also determine the eight most common blood types: A Positive, A Negative, O Positive, O Negative, B Positive, B Negative, AB Positive and AB Negative.

Further information on blood groups and how the tests are performed can be found in the Feature article on Blood banking: Blood typing.

The ABO blood groups are extremely important when receiving a blood transfusion. There are some blood groups (e.g. group O Negative, the ‘universal donor’) that can be given to almost any other person. However other blood groups (e.g. group AB) must only be transfused to people of the same blood group in order to prevent a potentially fatal transfusion reaction.

How is the sample collected for testing?

The blood group is performed on a blood sample taken by a needle placed in a vein in the arm or by a finger-prick (for children and adults) or heel-prick (for infants).

Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?

No test preparation is needed.

The Test

How is it used?

Blood groups are used to select appropriate blood for transfusion and to ensure that a patient is transfused with blood from the same (or a compatible) blood group.

When is it requested?

The RhD group is also used during and immediately after pregnancy (antenatal group and screen), to determine whether the mother might require an injection of anti-D immunoglobulin. This is used to prevent haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), a condition which may lead to severe anaemia, brain damage and even death of the baby.

What does the test result mean?

The result determines your blood group. This is used by laboratory staff to select appropriate blood for transfusion and to determine whether pregnant women may require an injection of anti-D immunoglobulin.

Common Questions

Can a blood group be used for paternity or parentage testing to determine the father of a child?

Although blood groups are inherited from our parents there are many possible variations that can result.  These depend on the genetic information that each parent has. This means that blood groups are usually of limited value in parentage testing. There are more specific tests (such as DNA testing) that can determine paternity, with a much greater level of certainty. If you require this testing you should consult your local doctor to find out how this can be done.

Sometimes you see a television show where people have a rare blood group that requires family members to donate blood.  How often does this happen?

Like many things on television and in the movies, blood groups and blood transfusion may not be portrayed accurately. It is extremely rare that a family member would be asked to donate blood for someone. There is usually sufficient blood available for all patients, and there are protocols in place to provide access to special or rare blood when it is required. In some cases, donating blood for a family member could also be dangerous. Family members may feel pressured to donate, and so may conceal important medical history that could result in danger to either themselves or the recipient.

Last Review Date: June 2, 2022


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