Blood plays a significant role in your health, even though many people do not know their blood type. In fact, a recent visit to a physician or a certain type of procedure, such as a blood test, is necessary to determine one’s blood type. According to a 2019 survey conducted by clinical laboratory company Quest Diagnostics, it was found that 43% of Americans do not know their blood type. This is a topic that has not been discussed with a doctor by many individuals, including those who have never had a recent blood test or procedure.
Despite these investigations, Lowe-Payne underscores that severe symptoms can affect individuals of any blood type. Nevertheless, a separate study released in July contradicts some of these findings, demonstrating a lack of conclusive evidence regarding the correlation between blood type and COVID-19. Based on research published in the New England Journal of Medicine in June, data indicates that individuals with Type O blood face a reduced risk, while those with Type A blood may be more susceptible to contracting COVID-19 and encountering severe symptoms. However, a recent development in research amid the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic has sparked a sudden surge in public interest towards comprehending the specific blood types flowing through their veins.
The likelihood of developing memory issues is greater for individuals with Type O blood compared to other blood types, with a linked probability of 82%. Similarly, individuals with blood types AB, B, and A have a 6% increased risk of developing coronary heart disease. Those with blood types AB and A are also more likely to develop stomach cancer, according to a recent study published in Cancer Central BioMed. The data, obtained from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, indicates that certain blood types are associated with higher risks of various cancers. Additionally, there may be other risks and diseases outside of the pandemic that are influenced by your blood type.
Before discussing any potential risks with your healthcare provider, there are a few simple ways you can find out your blood type. It is an important topic to discuss with your doctor, as your health may be influenced by other inherited aspects of genetics, among which your blood type is clear.
As stated by the American Red Cross, specific substances are found in your body that establish your blood type, a trait that you inherit from your parents through genetics. In simple terms, an antigen is a substance that stimulates an immune reaction in the body, activating your immune system.
The main blood groups are based on the absence or presence of two antigens, B and A, on the surface of our red blood cells. People with blood type O do not have antigens B or A, while those with blood types B or A have either one or both of these antigens. This blood type is also known as factor Rh or rhesus protein, and it can be either negative (absent) or positive.
As per the Stanford School of Medicine Blood Center, O+ is the most prevalent blood type in the United States, with around 37% of the population having it, followed by A+ in approximately 36% of individuals. AB- blood type is the rarest, with less than 1% of Americans having it. The Red Cross designates individuals with Type O- blood as the “universal blood donor” since it can be utilized for emergency blood transfusions for any other blood type.
According to Dr. Lee, understanding one’s health in general is beneficial, but specifically, knowledge of blood type becomes relevant in cases of transfusion or during pregnancy, as stated by Stephanie Lee, M.D., The president of the American Society of Hematology and associate director of the Clinical Research Division at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. Although it may not hold significant importance for the majority, is it truly necessary to be aware of one’s blood type? This question is posed by Dr. Lee, who is also a professor at the University of Washington.
During pregnancy, doctors often administer a shot called RhoGAM to women who are Rh-negative and may have a baby with Rh-positive blood. If caught early, this can prevent complications, including miscarriage. Pregnant women routinely undergo blood-type tests to determine whether their blood is compatible with the Rh factor.
How to find out your blood type
According to Dr. Lee, there are several methods to determine the blood type flowing in your veins. The most convenient approach is to promptly examine your birth certificate as it may contain blood type information. However, if you are unable to access such data.
Patients will probably need to pay for blood work themselves in order to determine their blood type. She explains that insurance companies may not cover the cost unless there is a medical necessity for the test. Since it is not typically included in regular medical check-ups or wellness screenings, you will need to specifically request it. Lowe-Payne suggests asking your primary care doctor for a blood type test, as a simple lab test can reveal this information.
Making a request to your doctor’s office is always beneficial! This holds true for any visit to an urgent care facility, such as CVS’ MinuteClinic, in case blood has been drawn unexpectedly. If you have previously undergone any blood tests with your main healthcare provider, they might already possess your blood group information in their records.
Many of the tests haven’t been evaluated directly by the FDA in the United States. Some require a small amount of blood, either from a saliva sample or by pricking the finger. If you do a quick Google search, you’ll find a variety of at-home blood testing kits available at different price points. Consider buying an at-home blood testing kit.
“These tests are not intended for blood donation or transfusion testing. They are only FDA-cleared tests intended for informational and educational purposes to determine individual blood group determination. The FDA spokesperson explains that these tests are only intended for specific indication to determine ABO/Rh blood type at home. There are no FDA-approved blood type tests for home use.”
QuestDirect, which is a provider that conducts blood tests on your behalf, may send the most accurate tests to your home from laboratories. While Lowe-Payne explains that she cannot guarantee their accuracy, she suggests that at-home kits from retailers like Amazon, which have more than 2,300 reviews with an average rating of 4-stars, could give you a general idea of your blood type. The spokesperson also mentions that you may encounter difficulties in reading the test results yourself and cautions that tests without FDA approval or clearance may not provide truly accurate results.
Creating an online profile can allow donors to list their blood type, or they can receive a blood donor card. The organization tests every donated unit of blood to determine the donor’s blood group and Rh type, according to Dr. Borge Prabhakar, the chief medical officer of the American Red Cross. Knowing one’s blood type is an easy way for individuals to find out what their blood type is.
This explains that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the cancellation of many blood drives and the increased need for blood donations, resulting in thousands of uncollected donations. The demand for blood often exceeds the supply, especially for the most common type of blood, which is O Type. Therefore, individuals are encouraged to donate, even if they don’t know their blood type beforehand, as it is helpful to know before donating.
Not only is giving blood costless, Lowe-Payne asserts, but “you’re rescuing someone’s life in the procedure.”