Phlebotomy prices are not included in the prices listed on our website. A phlebotomy fee of £50 is to be paid for blood tests, swabs, and urine, which carry no additional charge.

Blood type testing in London

Every human has blood moving through their vein, yet despite its uniform red colour, there are eight blood types and 4 primary blood groups. Each individual belongs to one of these groups of blood.

Two systems are used to classify blood types:

• The RhD blood group system
• The ABO blood group system 

Knowing your blood group is crucial as it plays a vital role in various aspects of life, including medical emergencies. At Private Blood Test London, we prioritise a seamless testing experience, delivering high-quality service with minimal hassle.

• The ABO blood grouping

There are four main blood groups within the ABO system: A, B, AB, and O. Blood typing identifies your specific group and compatibility with others, which is vital for procedures like blood transfusions in an emergency.

How is the test for blood type conducted?

Blood group testing involves collecting a small blood sample. At Private Blood Tests London, we ensure we are very careful during this process. Our trained medical team performs all types of blood tests with precision and ensures timely results.

The sample is usually taken from a vein in the arm or via a fingertip prick. For newborns, blood is drawn from the umbilical cord or through a heel stick.

About testing for the ABO blood group

The ABO system is based on the absence or presence of antigens (A and B) on the red blood cell surface and corresponding antibodies in the plasma.

• Group O: No antigens; A and B in plasma

• Group AB: No antibodies, but  Antigens A and B are present

• Group B: Antigen B is present with antibody A in the plasma.

• Group A: Antigen A is present with antibody B is in plasma.

Antibodies help identify compatible types, while antigens determine your blood group.

• The RhD blood grouping

The Rhesus (RhD) factor is another determinant of blood type. It is the absence (Rh-negative) or presence (Rh-positive) of the antigen(D) in the RBCs. This classification results in eight unique blood types:

• O+positive or O-negative
• AB+positive or AB-negative
• B+positive or B-negative
• A+positive or A-negative

What blood types are compatible?

An  Austrian scientist Karl Landsteiner( 1901) discovered the various blood groups, ending fatal transfusions caused by mixing incompatible blood types. Compatibility ensures the recipient’s immune system does not attack donor blood cells.

Compatibility depends on the antigens and antibodies in each blood type. The following table summarises donor-recipient compatibility:

Pregnancy and blood groups

Understanding your blood type is crucial during pregnancy. For instance, if a Rhesus-negative mother is carrying a Rhesus-positive baby, she must receive RhD immune globulin to prevent her immune system from attacking the baby’s red blood cells. Without this, complications such as haemolytic disease of the foetus or miscarriages may arise.

Why should you know your blood group?

Understanding your blood type can save lives, especially in a situation like:

• Anaemia, leukaemia, or sickle cell conditions
• Severe blood loss
• Major injuries or trauma
• Haemophilia

Feel free to visit our clinic on weekdays (9 AM–6 PM) or weekends (10 AM–2 PM), where our well-experienced professionals will assist you.

On self-requested blood tests, we provide laboratory reports without additional notes unless you are under the care of our doctors. Should you wish to consult a doctor or request further tests or treatment following your results, do not hesitate to contact us.

Schedule an appointment

Knowing your blood type could save a life – including yours. Contact Private Blood Test London today to book your appointment and ensure peace of mind!