Blood Type

I often have families ask me about their child’s blood type, and then act very surprised that I do not know it or that it was never tested for. Back in the day, blood typing took a long time and literally could mean the difference between life and death in an emergency. People would carry their blood type on a card in their wallet. Nowadays, the testing to see what blood type a kiddo or an adult is super fast. So we only get a kiddo’s blood type if we think they are going to need a transfusion. Even if a parent knows their child’s blood type, we will still order testing for blood type in emergent situations to make sure before giving a blood transfusion.  

Some families, though, will still ask to have their kiddo’s blood type tested, and pediatricians can place these orders for labs, but most likely the test will not be covered by insurance unless in the emergent setting.   

As a child gets older and can start participating in blood drives, some will let you know your blood type for free if you ask.