Staying Healthy
On call: Blood type and your health
Q. At my last office exam, I asked my doctor if he could tell me my blood type. I was surprised it was never checked as part of my routine lab tests. Isn't my blood type important for the doctor to know?
A. I am not surprised that your doctor did not check your blood type as part of routine testing. Blood type does not influence doctors' decisions about your preventive health or how to treat common chronic health conditions. Blood type is important to know in only two situations: blood transfusions and tissue or organ donations.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.