There are four main blood groups and eight blood types, but some are rarer than others. The two most important blood group systems for transfusion are ABO and Rh. Your blood group depends on which antigens occur on the surface of your red blood cells - and this is passed onto you by your parents. For more on this, read our blog: what is blood and what does it do?

This test will tell you which blood group you are in. That's important as not all blood types are compatible with each other.

Red blood cells have various proteins on their surface called antigens. Also, blood plasma contains antibodies which will attack certain antigens if they are present. There are various types of red blood cell antigens. Combining the above types will give you your blood group.

Common reasons to know your blood group are if you're having surgery soon, if you need to have a blood transfusion, or if you are pregnant. Accidents and other emergencies can often be dealt with more efficiently if you know the blood group of the people involved.

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