ABO Type and Rh
CPT Code(s):
86900, 86901
Turnaround Time:
24 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Whole Blood
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Lavender Top Tube (EDTA)
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Specimens should be tested as soon as possible. Samples that cannot be tested immediately should be stored at 2 - 8 degrees celcius. Do not freeze whole blood.
Rejection Criteria:
Gross hemolysis. Specimen received outside stability requiements. Improper labeling.
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
7 days
Refrigerated:
7 days
Frozen:
Unacceptable
Clinical Significance
ABO Group and Rh Type have specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of transfusion medicine and blood banking. This test determines an individual's blood type, including their ABO group (A, B, AB, or O) and Rh factor (positive or negative).
The ABO blood group system classifies blood into four major types: A, B, AB, and O, based on the presence or absence of specific antigens on red blood cells. The Rh factor refers to the presence or absence of the Rh antigen on red blood cells. The combination of ABO and Rh types provides crucial information for blood compatibility and transfusion purposes.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of ABO Group and Rh Type include:
1. Blood Transfusion Compatibility: Knowing a patient's blood type is essential before conducting a blood transfusion. A mismatched transfusion can lead to severe complications, including hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) and potentially life-threatening reactions. ABO Group and Rh Type helps ensure that the donor's blood is compatible with the recipient's blood to minimize transfusion-related complications.
2. Preoperative and Emergency Assessments: Determining a patient's blood type is important in emergency situations or when surgery is planned. It enables healthcare providers to quickly identify compatible blood for transfusion, should it become necessary during a surgical procedure or due to acute blood loss.
3. Prenatal Care: ABO Group and Rh Type are valuable in prenatal care, especially for Rh-negative mothers. Rh incompatibility can occur when an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus, potentially leading to hemolytic disease of the newborn. This test helps identify Rh-negative mothers who may require preventive measures, such as Rh immune globulin, to minimize the risk of complications in future pregnancies.
4. Blood Donation and Blood Banking: ABO Group and Rh Type are crucial for screening blood donors and determining the suitability of donated blood for transfusion. Blood banks need to match the blood type of donors with the specific needs of recipients to ensure safe and compatible transfusions.
In summary, ABO Group and Rh Type have significant clinical implications in transfusion medicine and blood banking. It guides blood transfusion compatibility, assists in emergency situations and surgery, aids in prenatal care for Rh-negative mothers, and facilitates appropriate blood donor screening and blood banking. Accurate identification of a patient's blood type through this test helps prevent adverse reactions, ensures patient safety, and supports effective transfusion practices in healthcare settings.