Your blood sample is mixed with antibodies against type A and B blood. Then, the sample is checked to see whether or not the blood cells stick together. If blood cells stick together, it means the blood reacted with one of the antibodies. The second step is called back typing.

Your blood type is determined by what kind of antigens your red blood cells have on the surface.

Antigens are substances that help your body differentiate between its own cells and foreign, potentially dangerous ones. If your body thinks a cell is foreign, it will set out to destroy it.

The ABO blood typing system groups your blood into one of four categories:

• Type A has the A antigen.
• Type B has the B antigen.
• Type AB has both A and B antigens.
• Type O has neither A nor B antigens.

If blood with antigens that you don’t have enters your system, your body will create antibodies against it. However, some people can still safely receive blood that isn’t their blood type.

As long as the blood they receive doesn’t have any antigens that mark it as foreign, their bodies won’t attack it.

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