Do you know your blood type?

[Muse]

I just had a blood test with Kaiser and asked my PCP what my BT is and he said he didn't know. He said it would cost me $250 to find out! Said if I donate blood they'll tell me. This all shocked me. If you need blood in a pinch they obviously have a quick way to find out what your BT is. Why is it such a big deal to find it out and tell me?

Does it matter to know your BT? Why?

 

[nickbits]

Tests cost money. I assume lab work that isn't covered by insurance gets billed at the full rate. That's why it is 250. If was covered it would cost about $25. Lab work gets paid about 10% of the billed amount (on my plan anyway).

Also knowing your blood type wont do much for you. They will still check it during an emergency or in advance of a surgery even if you know it.

Just go donate blood once if you want to know.

<-- O-

 

[Ghiedo27]

In an emergency they'd just give you universal donor blood- type O something.

Regarding cost, yeah- it takes resources to find out what it is so they charge you to do the optional tests. I imagine with donating blood it isn't optional and it's worth it for them to do the test, so informing you doesn't cost anything extra.

 

[Mixolydian]

I'm O-, I think. Whatever's the most common.

 

[pelov]

I'm O-, I think. Whatever's the most common.

That's not the most common O- means you've got neither of the surface antigens on your blood and you'd be a universal donor. I'm an O- and I remember having to go to get a checkup prior to a surgery. I believe they took out 2-3 vials for personal use and then another 5+ for themselves because I'm an O-. Those fuckers drained me dry.

http://www.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood/blood-types

The blood types vary by ethnicity and even particular cultures/areas.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Yes, you should know your blood type. You may be in a situation where O- is in short supply or, not available. Contrary to popular belief, in the majority of the world, good healthcare is not a 911 call away. Even in America, there are many situations like camping, hunting and, skiing etc. where you are the first and maybe only responder. It's an adult, responsible and, easy thing to do. As has already been mentioned, donating blood is the quickest and cheapest way to find out.

As a side note, if my pcp didn't know what my blood type was, I'd ask why his records are incomplete. You're telling me that none of your doctors have known your blood type? Those folks telling you not to worry about it because the hospital/emergency folks will take care of it for you, haven't been in very many emergency situations. I have and, I'm telling you to find out what your blood type is because it's the smart thing to do.

 

[alkemyst]

tiger.

I am O I believe, not sure neg or pos. I know I am not at risk for a rare blood type.

Blood type is a big deal in Japan and most will know their's.

Donating blood is the easy way. Your Primary care physician probalby has it documented.

 

[nickbits]

Yes, you should know your blood type. You may be in a situation where O- is in short supply or, not available.

Then I guess I'm screwed regardless.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Then I guess I'm screwed regardless.

You're not getting it. If everyone knows their blood type, there's a far greater chance of someone being available with that blood type regardless of the medical supplies on hand.

 

[nickbits]

You're not getting it. If everyone knows their blood type, there's a far greater chance of someone being available with that blood type regardless of the medical supplies on hand.

You're not getting it. I'm o-. If o- isn't available I'm screwed*. Maybe you're saying if people know their blood type less o- will be used and thus greater supply of o-? But no hospital is going take someone's word on it about their blood type. Too much liability.

*my wife says her hospital gives o+ to men since there is minimal risk

 

[nanette1985]

I'm AB positive. When I was a poor musician I used to sell my blood - AB+ was in demand because even though it's the universal reciepient, some people want the real thing.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

You're not getting it. I'm o-. If o- isn't available I'm screwed*. Maybe you're saying if people know their blood type less o- will be used and thus greater supply of o-? But no hospital is going take someone's word on it about their blood type. Too much liability.

*my wife says her hospital gives o+ to men since there is minimal risk

You're still missing the point, I gathered you were O- from your previous post. As I previously mentioned, having access to a hospital isn't always possible and, if there is a widespread emergency, even hospitals get overwhelmed. However, blood doesn't come from hospitals or blood banks, it comes from people. Knowing your blood type will aid everyone in providing better care in those situations.

Too many people (at least in these forums) believe the world is a neat and tidy place where healthcare, police and, firemen are minutes away. It just isn't so and, living like it is, only increases your chances of being a statistic.

 

[ShreddedWheat]

A+ ; I HAVE to give blood at least once a month

 

[highland145]

A+

$250.00??? Rape. We tested our own in middle school, ~1977ish. Blood drops on test kits. Can't imagine the school paying much per kit.

 

[blackdogdeek]

B+

we determined ours in high school biology in 9th grade.

 

[alkemyst]

A+

$250.00??? Rape. We tested our own in middle school, ~1977ish. Blood drops on test kits. Can't imagine the school paying much per kit.

Chances are they were donated or subsidized in someway.

 

[vi edit]

B+

Don't remember how I got it checked. I think it was some record my Mom had from when I was younger. It's good for me to know though. I've only got one kidney and you are supposed to get organs from people with the same Rh factor.

Lucky for me my wife is also B+ so I've got a donor candidate if needed.

 

[surfsatwerk]

AB+ Gimmie ur blood!

 

[nickbits]

You're still missing the point, I gathered you were O- from your previous post. As I previously mentioned, having access to a hospital isn't always possible and, if there is a widespread emergency, even hospitals get overwhelmed. However, blood doesn't come from hospitals or blood banks, it comes from people. Knowing your blood type will aid everyone in providing better care in those situations.

Too many people (at least in these forums) believe the world is a neat and tidy place where healthcare, police and, firemen are minutes away. It just isn't so and, living like it is, only increases your chances of being a statistic.

Point taken.

 

[SilthDraeth]

I have A point of Sale blood.

Says A POS on my blood donor card!

 

[Corporate Thug]

Don't know, don't care.

 

[IGemini]

O+, kinda hard to forget after donating 3 gallons.

Would've been nice to know during the bio blood test lab, but it was all about pathogen concerns by the time I took it. It's all simulated blood now.

 

[highland145]

I have A point of Sale blood.

Says A POS on my blood donor card!

Wait? They want you to give blood and call you a piece of sh*t? No way, man.


j/k

 

[spinejam]

O+

 

[Muse]

Guess I'll donate and find out, assuming they'll accept my blood.