Blood Groups Blood Test(ABO)

The Blood Groups (ABO) Test is a private blood test that identifies your ABO blood group (A, B, AB or O) and your RhD status (positive or negative), processed by London Medical Laboratory (LML), a UKAS-accredited ISO 15189 laboratory, and sold by Ways Pharmacy (UK).

Key facts

Who it is for

• People who simply want to know their blood group for personal records or curiosity
• People preparing for surgery or travel who want their blood type documented
• Pregnant women, or those planning pregnancy, who want to know their RhD status
• People who want their blood group on record in case of emergency

Not suitable for: use as a cross-match for an actual blood transfusion — transfusion requires separate hospital testing at the time; this test does not screen for infection or disease.

What is measured

• ABO group — which of the four main blood groups you have (A, B, AB or O), determined by antigens on your red blood cells
• RhD type — whether you are RhD positive or RhD negative, which combined with ABO gives one of eight blood groups

How it works

1. Order online and choose your option: an in-store appointment or an at-home self-collection kit.
2. In store: attend Ways Pharmacy, 77 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4ET, where a trained phlebotomist takes a venous blood sample (SST yellow-top tube). At home: a self-collection kit is posted to you; collect your sample and return it in the prepaid packaging.
3. Your sample is sent to London Medical Laboratory (LML) for analysis.
4. You receive a written report confirming your ABO group and RhD status, typically within 5–7 working days of the lab receiving your sample.

Frequently asked questions

How long do results take?

Results are typically available within 5–7 working days from when the laboratory receives your sample. You receive a written report stating your ABO group and RhD status.

Where is the blood test done?

You can have the sample taken at our Holborn pharmacy (77 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4ET) by appointment, or order an at-home self-collection kit that is posted to you and returned to the lab in prepaid packaging.

Is the laboratory accredited?

Yes. Your sample is processed by London Medical Laboratory (LML), a UKAS-accredited laboratory working to the ISO 15189 standard for medical laboratories.

Does my blood group ever change?

No. Your ABO group and RhD status are determined by the genes you inherit and stay the same for life, so this is a one-time test.

Can I use this result for a blood transfusion?

This result tells you your blood group for personal records and planning. A hospital will always carry out its own cross-match testing at the time of any transfusion for safety, so this test does not replace that.

When to seek further advice

• If you are pregnant and RhD negative, discuss your result with your midwife or GP, as you may be offered anti-D care.
• This test is for blood typing only and does not detect infection or disease.

This is a private blood-typing service for personal information. It is not a diagnostic test and does not replace hospital cross-matching before a transfusion.