Blood group test (ABO and Rh typing)
Quick answer: A blood group test finds your ABO group (A, B, AB or O) and whether you are Rh (D) positive or negative. It is needed before a blood transfusion or surgery, and is a routine early pregnancy test.
- SampleBlood
- TakesAbout 5 minutes
- Before the testNo special preparation is needed.
- In fertility careAn Rh-negative mother can make antibodies against an Rh-positive baby's blood, so knowing her group helps doctors plan anti-D injections and monitoring.
How the test is done
- 1A small blood sample is taken from a vein or fingertip
- 2The blood is mixed with anti-A, anti-B and anti-D reagents
- 3Clumping shows which group you are
- 4A reverse check using your serum confirms the ABO group
What your results can mean
Reading your report
Your blood group does not change over life, but labs re-check it before a transfusion.
If the result is outside the usual range
The result is your ABO group (A, B, AB or O) and Rh type (positive or negative), not a normal or abnormal value. Being Rh negative matters in pregnancy if the baby is Rh positive.
Who usually has this test
Everyone before a blood transfusion or surgery, pregnant women, and couples planning pregnancy or IVF.
Risks and aftercare
There is no special aftercare.
Names and options
Also called: blood type test, ABO Rh, blood grouping, Rh factor test
Listed by the hospital as
- BLOOD GROUP (ABO & RH TYPING)
Where this test fits in fertility care
- 1Fertility work-up
- 2Screening before IVF or IUIThis test
- 3During treatment
- 4After embryo transfer
- 5Pregnancy check-ups
- 6If treatment has not worked
The usual order. See every test at each stage →
Questions about this test
Why does my blood group matter in pregnancy?
If you are Rh negative and your baby is Rh positive, your body may make antibodies that can harm this or a future baby. Doctors check your group early, may test your partner, and may offer anti-D injections and an indirect Coombs test during pregnancy.
Do both partners need a blood group test before IVF or pregnancy?
Many clinics test both partners. The father's group helps predict whether an Rh-negative mother's baby could be Rh positive. It is a simple, one-time blood test.
Can my blood group change?
Your blood group normally stays the same for life. Rare exceptions include after a bone marrow transplant.
Related tests
Tamara Hospital & IVF Centre, Rajajinagar
34/3, 10th Cross Road, opp. Vardhaka Sardar Patel School, 1st N Block, 2nd Stage, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010
The hospital is open 24 hours. Call before you come to check the timing for your scan or sample collection.
Get directions ↗IVF Pulse fertility care at Tamara Hospital →
Reception
Waiting area
IVF lab
This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.