Bristol Private GP Service

Blood Group Screening and Tests

Beard Medical Practice offer a private blood group testing service. You can book a private GP consultation via our online booking page, whereby we will take a blood test and our laboratory will analyse your sample. We will then send you a certificate to confirm your specific blood group.

Why is it important to know your blood group?                                                                                   Blood group is determined by the ABO system. This ensures that in the event of requiring medical treatment, the right blood products are given to you. The ABO system is made up of four main types and your blood group is determined by the presence of certain antigens (a substance which induces an immune response). These are inherited from your parents and a child can have a different blood type to both parents. The ABO blood system is further complicated by the groups being positive or negative, due to the presence of Rhesus antigens. This is particularly important for couples planning a pregnancy and pregnant women. 

Blood Group Types                                                                                                                                 Human blood contains four major types determined by the presence or absence of two antigens (A and B). 

• Blood group A – has the A antigen on red cells (and B antibody in the plasma)

• Blood group B – has the B antigen on red cells (and A antibody in the plasma)

• Blood group AB – has both A and B antigens on red cells (but neither A nor B antibody in the plasma)

• Blood group O – neither A nor B antigens on red cells (but both A and B antibody are in the plasma)

Each types is subdivided into whether they contain Rhesus antigens i.e. positive or negative. Your blood group is therefore determined by your ABO group type and Rhesus type. For example, if your blood group is O and you're Rhesus Positive, your blood group will be O+ve.

Knowing Your Blood Group                                                                                                                   Blood group testing is important for any situation whereby a blood transfusion may be required. If you are in a serious accident, you may require an urgent blood transfusion and knowing your blood group in advance, can ensure you receive treatment more quickly.

Major Surgery                                                                                                                                         Any form of major surgery can produce a low blood count. Knowing your own blood group can be useful and it assists healthcare staff who have to administer blood products. This is even more important if you have a rare blood group or if you require treatment whilst abroad (where blood testing may not be as strict as in the UK).

Planning a baby - partner compatibility and pregnancy                                                                         Your blood group can have a significant effect on your chances of having a baby. If you and your partner have incompatible blood types, it can lead to a serious blood disorder for the baby, called Rhesus Haemolytic Disease. If you and your partner are tested in advance, you can anticipate any potential problems before they happen. There is also some evidence that your blood group may affect your fertility.

Booking your blood group test                                                                                                          Visit our online booking system below and select 'Express Private GP consultation'.                         This page then gives you the option to select a blood test.

If you would like to book an appointment please click here: Appointment Booking Page

If you have any questions, please call our reception on 0117 973 13 23. You can also email us directly on info@beardmedical.com or send a message to us via our contact form.