Genotype Test Only or Genotype + Blood Group: Which Should You Book?

If you are choosing between a genotype test or a genotype and blood group test, start with your reason for testing. If you want to know whether you carry the sickle cell or haemoglobin C gene, the genotype test on its own (£90) answers that question. Add a blood group test only if you also want your ABO group and RhD status and don’t already have it on record. The Genotype + Blood Group bundle costs £179. That is £16 less than booking both tests separately (£195), but £89 more than the genotype test alone.

Book the Genotype Blood Test – £90 · Book Genotype + Blood Group – £179

Genotype only, blood group only or both: at a glance

	Genotype Blood Test	Blood Group Test	Genotype + Blood Group bundle
Price	£90	£105	£179 (£195 if booked separately)
What it reports	Haemoglobin genotype, such as AA, AS, AC, SS or SC	ABO group (A, B, AB or O) and RhD status	Both results
Question it answers	Am I a sickle cell or haemoglobin C carrier?	What is my blood type?	Both
Fasting	Not needed	Not needed	Not needed
Collection	Clinic visit, home visit (Essex only) or kit only (venous blood collection)

Two tests, two different questions

Your genotype describes the type of haemoglobin you inherited. Your blood group describes your ABO group and RhD status. Neither result predicts the other: knowing you are O positive tells you nothing about whether you are AA or AS. For the full explanation, read our guide to the difference between genotype and blood group.

When the genotype test alone is enough

• You’re checking compatibility with a partner. A child’s chance of inheriting sickle cell disease depends on both parents’ genotypes. Blood group plays no part. See our genotype compatibility guide.
• Sickle cell disease or trait runs in your family and you want to know your own carrier status.
• You already know your blood group. You may have been told it during antenatal care or when giving blood.
• You only want blood group in case you ever need a transfusion. You don’t need to test for this. Hospitals always check your blood group and compatibility themselves before any transfusion.

The genotype test uses haemoglobin electrophoresis, which identifies the types of haemoglobin in your blood. See what AA, AS, AC and SS mean.

When adding blood group makes sense

• You have never had either result and want both on record from one booking.
• You’ve lost an old result and want a fresh record of both.
• You were going to book the blood group test anyway. It costs £89 inside the bundle instead of £105.

If you’re pregnant, your midwife checks your blood group and RhD status as part of routine antenatal care. You don’t need a private test for that purpose.

Book both tests in one appointment – £179

Testing as a couple

Each partner needs their own genotype result, because one test can’t show a couple’s combined risk. Book a test for each of you. If you’re already pregnant, the NHS offers sickle cell and thalassaemia screening to everyone who is pregnant, ideally before 10 weeks. If you’re found to be a carrier, the baby’s father is offered a test too. A private test is useful before pregnancy. It doesn’t replace the screening your midwife offers.

Preparing, booking and results

• No fasting. Eat and drink as normal, and drink water beforehand so your sample is easier to take.
• Tell us about recent transfusions. A transfusion in the last three months can affect results.
• No GP referral needed. Choose a clinic visit, a home visit (Essex only) or a venous collection kit. You can find your nearest clinic online.
• Check your basket total before paying, as it reflects the collection option you choose.

If your result shows you’re a carrier, share it with your GP, especially if you’re planning a family. Being a carrier does not usually affect your own health.

Questions people ask before booking

Is genotype the same as blood type?

No. Genotype describes your haemoglobin type, such as AA or AS. Blood type describes your ABO group and RhD status, such as O positive. Each needs its own test.

Can O positive be AA genotype?

Yes. Any blood group can occur with any genotype, because the two are inherited separately. Your blood group gives no clue to your genotype, so only a genotype test can tell you whether you are AA, AS or another type.

Can I find out my genotype at home without a test?

No. There is no reliable way to work out your genotype from symptoms, appearance or an app. It needs a blood sample analysed in a laboratory. Swift’s kit option still uses a venous blood sample, not a finger-prick reading.

Can my GP tell me my blood group?

Often not. GP practices don’t routinely check blood groups. Giving blood is one free way to find out, as your group is recorded on your donor record. A private blood group test is the quickest option if you’d rather not wait.

How long does a genotype test take?

The blood draw takes a few minutes. If you need results by a particular date, such as before a wedding or a pregnancy appointment, call 01277 652067 before booking to check timings.

Do both partners need a genotype test?

Yes, if you want to understand the risk for your children. Compatibility depends on both genotypes, so each partner needs their own result.

Ready to book? Genotype only – £90 · Genotype + Blood Group – £179 · Blood Group only – £105

References

• NHS. Screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia.
• NHS. Sickle cell disease.
• NHS. Blood groups.
• Sickle Cell Society. Preconception genotype testing.