Learn about blood types and blood typing

The NanoSpot.ai Blood Typing Test provides an easy and fast way to learn what your blood type is. While this information is not intended to influence a medical decision, blood typing is a fun and interesting way to learn about your body.

After running a NanoSpot.ai Blood Typing Test you will receive your blood type. But, what is a blood type and how are they used in medicine? Read about blood types and associated interesting information below.

What Blood Types Are There?

While there are many subtypes of blood, there are four major blood groups that are determined by the presence or absence of two antigens that are on the surface of red blood cells. These antigens are the A and the B antigens. In addition to the surface antigens, there is a protein called the Rh factor that can also be present or absent. The presence or absence of the A and B antigens along with the Rh factor determine the 8 most common blood types described below.

The A+ blood type defines those individuals that have the A antigen as well as the Rh Factor protein. These individuals can receive blood from those who lack the B antigen (A+, A-, O+, O-). Those with A+ blood can donate to those with the A antigen and Rh factor (A+, AB+).

The B+ blood type defines those individuals that have the B antigen as well as the Rh Factor protein. These individuals can receive blood from those that lack the A antigen (B+, B-, O+, O-). Those with B+ blood can donate to those with the B antigen and Rh factor (B+, AB+).

The AB+ blood type defines those individuals that have the A antigen as well as the Rh Factor protein. These individuals can receive blood from any blood type. Those with AB+ blood can only donate to others with AB+ blood.

The O+ blood type defines those individuals that do not have the A or B antigen but do have the Rh Factor protein. These individuals can only receive blood from those without the A or B antigen (O+, O-). However, those with O+ blood can donate to any individuals that have Rh factor (O+, A+, B+, AB+).

The A- blood type defines those individuals that have the A antigen but lack Rh Factor protein. These individuals can only receive blood from those without the B antigen and without Rh factor (A-, O-). Those with A- blood can donate to those with the A antigen (A+, A-, AB+, AB-).

The B- blood type defines those individuals that have the B antigen but lack the Rh Factor protein. These individuals can only receive blood from those without the A antigen and Rh factor (B-, O-). Those with B- blood can donate to any individuals that have the B antigen (B-, B+, AB-, AB+).

The AB- blood type defines those individuals that have the A and B antigen but lack Rh Factor protein. These individuals can receive blood from anyone without Rh factor (A-, B-, AB- O-). Those with AB- blood can only donate to those with the A and B antigen (AB+, AB-).

The O- blood type defines those individuals that have neither the A or B antigen or the Rh Factor protein. These individuals can only receive blood from other O- individuals. Those with O- blood are the universal donors can donate to any anyone.