One of the most important medical tests to do in the Philippines is determining your blood type. Your blood type tells you a great deal about your body, and can even be used to save your life if you ever are in need of a transfusion. So what’s the process like for determining your own blood type here in the Philippines?
How to Know Your Blood Type
The first step is to make an appointment with a certified physician or healthcare facility. It is extremely important that this specialist has experience dealing with blood typing to ensure accurate results—each blood type has its own unique characteristics.
At the clinic, you will have your arm pricked and some of your blood sample will then be taken out into special slides in order for testing. The technician will look at slides under a microscope and identify patterns that relate to a distinct blood type such as A, AB, O, or B using antiserum reactions specific to each one.
Once the results are determined they will be recorded in the patient’s latest medical history so that physicians or healthcare professionals can always inform them of their specific blood type in case they ever need it down the line.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I determine my blood type in the Philippines?
Blood typing is the most reliable way to determine one’s blood type in the Philippines. It is a fast and safe procedure conducted by a phlebotomist in a sanitized area, with no need for fasting. Blood typing can be done at hospitals or clinics, or through an at-home blood test. The most common blood type in the Philippines is Blood Group O followed by A, then B and AB
Source: https://www.unilab.com.ph/articles/blood-type-why-you-need-to-know-yours
What is the AB0 system and how does it relate to blood typing in the Philippines?
The ABO system is a classification of blood based on the presence and absence of two antigens, A and B, on red blood cells. In the Philippines, type O is the most common blood type, followed by type A, B and AB respectively. Type O is known as a ‘universal donor’ as it can be donated to any other ABO category of recipient.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK580518
How does the Rh system affect blood typing in the Philippines?
The Rh system is a blood group system that is used to determine blood typing in the Philippines. It is based on two genes, RHD and RHCE, which are highly polymorphic and can lead to complex antigen combinations. The most common blood type in the Philippines is Blood Group O followed by A, then B and AB, with more than 99% of Filipinos being Rh positive. However, there are still some people with Rh negative blood.
Can I get my blood type tested at a blood bank in the Philippines?
Yes, blood type testing is available at Philippine Red Cross blood banks. Donors must undergo extensive testing to ensure the safety of the donated blood, which includes testing for ABO group and RH type. If you have donated in the past, you may be able to check your blood type on their website.
Source: https://redcross.org.ph/national-blood-service
What are the requirements for donating blood in the Philippines?
To donate blood in the Philippines, donors must be between 16-65 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, have enough rest and sleep, be in good health, and not be pregnant or breastfeeding.
Source: https://doh.gov.ph/book/export/html/1416
What is the process for donating blood in the Philippines?
The process for donating blood in the Philippines involves registering and having your weight taken, completing a Donor History Questionnaire, being interviewed and having your blood type and hemoglobin checked, then sitting or lying down for 8-10 minutes while the phlebotomist cleans your arm with an antiseptic and draws the blood. Theoretically, by the end of the month, the body will have replenished the volume of blood extracted.