Is it possible to have a blood transfusion and not know your blood type?

Question

If you have had a blood transfusion I would especially appreciate your input. Thanks!

Would a doctor give you a blood transfusion (knowing your blood type) and not tell you your blood type? Would they just go ahead with it without giving you details? I know someone who says she had a blood transfusion but she doesn't know her blood type, so I wanted to know if this was possible.

Answer 1

I did a quick google and found this:
http://www.nbt.nhs.uk/researcheducation/staff_development/Blood_Policies/images/bloodbag.jpg
This is a standard UK blood bag, so if you had this hanging next to you it would be hard to miss what blood type you where

Answer 2

I've worked in bloodbanks for many years. When receiving a transfusion, the patient's blood type must be determined somewhere along the process. If it is an extreme emergency and there isn't time to type and screen before the transfusion begins, O negative is given, but you can be assured that at the same time testing is being done to determine your blood type and to crossmatch it with the units you've been given as well as any future units you might receive. As soon as your blood type is determined, in most cases you will begin receiving your own type. Type specific blood is always the optimal choice. As far as the doctor telling you what your bloodtype is, this isn't routinely done. Doctors themselves don't need to know the person's bloodtype...that is the job of those in the bloodbank. The patient's blood type will be on the patient's chart and can easily be asked for. If you'd like to know your blood type, just get in touch with the hospital or transfusion center where you received the blood and it will be on file. Usually these requests have to be submitted in writing.

Answer 3

Only if you don't ask! Maybe if you weren't in a position to? Blood transfusions are very closely monitored. First you (or someone acting for you) must consent to the receipt of blood products, next you are cross-matched. (Your blood is tested for compatibility .The donor blood- type is the foremost criteria but there are further tests too to ensure a really close match.) Then donor compatible blood is sourced for you and reserved with your name on it should the need arise.
In an emergency situation you will be cross-matched with compatible bloods after having your blood taken, with the same precautions as above. During transfusion any abnormalities will stop the transfusion (i.e a slight rise in temperature) This is closely monitored.
All blood products are carefully screened for blood-borne disease and this is no longer a significant issue for Western Nations.

Answer 4

Your friend could contact the place, the hospital, where the transfusion was given, his or her blood type will be part of the medical records. If your friend was ill, in surgery, or unconsicous for other reasons-then it's possible that even though her blood was typed and crossmatched, she may not have been told what her blood type is.

Answer 5

Before make a transfusion, usually the doctor make a test of the blood and it's peace of cake, so the error is tiny

Answer 6

Yeah they give you type O which is the universal donor. No chance for a tranfusion rx b/c there you won't make any antibodies to this one.

Answer 7

well I guess so if you were knocked out and they never told ya your blood type.Doctors have to test your type-you can't just get any ol blood that's available.Even if they use type O they STILL have to test you.

Answer 8

Yes, but you would react very badly to it. Your body would try to reject it since it doesn't match your own type. Hope this helps!!!

Answer 9

yes, in a case of emergency.

Answer 10

it's ok if you don't know but the doc should