ABO Group & Rh Type (Blood Type) Test
The ABO Group and Rh Type test identifies a person's blood group and Rh factor — the pieces that together make up what people commonly call their blood type. It is a straightforward identification done from a simple blood sample.
About this test
Blood type is defined by markers on the surface of red blood cells. The ABO system sorts blood into the familiar groups based on which of these markers are present, and the Rh system adds a further distinction based on whether a particular marker, the Rh factor, is present or absent.
This test is different from most laboratory tests in that it reports a fixed characteristic rather than a level that rises and falls. A person's ABO group and Rh type are inherited and stay the same throughout life, so the result is an identification of an existing trait rather than a measurement of something that changes day to day.
Who might consider this test?
- People consider a blood type test for a range of everyday reasons.
- Asked for it in the context of planning
- General health documentation
Test details
| Quest code | 7788 |
|---|---|
| Methodology | Immune Agglutination |
| Sample type | 5 mL whole blood |
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
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Additional details
What the test identifies
The test answers two linked questions. The ABO part determines which of the main blood groups a person belongs to, based on the markers present on their red blood cells. The Rh part determines the Rh type, based on whether the Rh factor is present or absent. Put together, these two answers give the complete blood type that people are familiar with.
It helps to remember that this is an identification of an inherited characteristic rather than a reading that changes over time. That is why a single test is usually enough to establish a person's ABO group and Rh type.
Why people want to know their blood type
Knowing one's ABO group and Rh type is useful information to have on record. It comes up in various care and planning situations, and many people value simply having a documented answer they can reference. The test identifies the trait rather than assessing health, so it stands a little apart from tests that measure changing markers.
The result describes an inherited feature of a person's red blood cells and does not, by itself, say anything about how healthy someone is. A clinician can put the ABO group and Rh type into context and explain their relevance to a person's individual circumstances.
Order online and a physician order is included — no doctor's visit and no insurance needed. Your sample is collected at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does the ABO Group & Rh Type test identify?
It identifies your blood group under the ABO system and your Rh type, based on markers on your red blood cells. Together these make up what people commonly call their blood type.
Does my blood type ever change?
The ABO group and Rh factor are inherited traits that stay the same throughout life, so the result is an identification of a fixed characteristic rather than a level that rises and falls.
Do I need to fast before a blood type test?
No preparation instructions are listed for this test; blood typing identifies a stable trait. Still, follow whatever instructions your ordering clinician provides.
How is the sample collected?
Through a routine blood draw at a Quest patient service center. A phlebotomist takes a small sample from a vein in the arm and sends it to the laboratory.
Does knowing my blood type say anything about my health?
The test identifies an inherited feature of your red blood cells and does not, on its own, assess health. A clinician can explain what your ABO group and Rh type mean in the context of your situation.
How much does the ABO Group & RH TYPE test cost?
The cash price at Celio Health is $35. That covers the physician's order and sample collection at a Quest patient service center — no insurance is needed and there's no separate doctor's visit to pay for.