Why get tested?
To determine your blood group in preparation for a possible blood transfusion or treatment with specific blood components or products.

When to get tested?
If your doctor indicates that transfusion with blood or blood components may be required as part of your medical treatment, or as part of antenatal screening undertaken during pregnancy.

Sample required?
A blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm or a finger-prick or heel-prick (newborns).

Frequency of testing?
Your blood group will be determined prior to receiving a blood transfusion. Where medical treatment requires ongoing transfusions over a period of time a group of tests (group and screen, crossmatch) will be repeated every 72 hours in order to reduce the possibility of a transfusion reaction.