The First Test: Blood Type

The first test performed is a blood test to determine blood type.

If you have documented proof of your blood type, either military ID cards, blood donor cards, or medical records, they should be forwarded to the transplant office.

The potential donor must have the same or compatible blood type as the potential recipient. However, Rh factor (+ or -) does not have to match

If the result is that you do not have a compatible blood type with your potential recipient and no one else has expressed an interest in donating, there are other options.

Next step: HLA and crossmatch