How to check your blood genotype.
To check your blood genotype, visit a certified medical laboratory or hospital where a blood sample will be collected and analyzed through a hemoglobin electrophoresis test.
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Blood genotype is often tested using the haemoglobin electrophoresis method. This method separates the blood based on the type of haemoglobin molecules present. The molecules spread out as bands on special paper, and the bands are compared with standard haemoglobin bands to identify abnormal ones like HbS or HbC.
A scientist will collect a small volume of blood from you for the test, which usually lasts a few minutes to an hour. The results are usually ready in hours or days.
It is important to check your blood genotype at a registered and reliable laboratory, or at different laboratories to ensure the accuracy of your results. There have been few reported cases of error in blood genotype testing.
Genotype compatibility for marriage
Knowing one’s genotype is essential for a happy marriage, particularly where hereditary diseases such as sickle cell disease are common. Genotype compatibility describes how well the genes for particular traits match.
Parents who have incompatible genotypes, such AS and SS or AS and AS, run the risk of passing on sickle cell disease to their offspring. To avoid these consequences, couples should get genetic testing done before getting married.
Here is a table illustrating genotype compatibility for marriage:
Parent Genotype | Offsprings | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
AA + AA | AA, AA, AA, AA | Compatible (Excellent) |
AA + AS | AA, AS, AA, AS | Compatible (Good) |
AA + SS | AS, AS, AS, AS | Compatible (Fair) |
AA + SC | AS, AC, AS, AC | Compatible (Fair) |
AA + AC | AA, AA, AA, AC | Compatible (Good) |
AS + AS | AA, AS, AS, SS | Incompatible (very bad) |
AA + CC | AC, AC, AC, AC | Compatible (Good) |
AS + SS | AS, SS, SS, SS | Incompatible (very bad) |
AS + AC | AA, AC, AS, SC/SS | Incompatible (very bad) |
AS + SC | AS, AC, SS, SC | Incompatible (very bad) |
SS + SS | SS, SS, SS, SS, | Incompatible (very bad) |
SS + SC | SS, SC, SS, SC | Incompatible (very bad) |
AC + SS | AS, AS, SS, SS | Incompatible (very bad) |
SS + AC | AS, SC, AS, SC | Incompatible (very bad) |
AC + AC | AA, AC, AC, SS/CC | Incompatible (very bad) |
SS + CC | SC, SC, SC, SC | Incompatible (very bad) |
SC + AC | AS, SC, AC, CC | Incompatible (very bad) |
AC + CC | AC, AC, CC, CC | Incompatible (very bad) |
SC + SC | SS, SC, SC, CC | Incompatible (very bad) |
Notes:
- Compatible (Excellent): No risk of genetic disorders
- Compatible (Good): Low risk of genetic disorders
- Compatible (Fair): Moderate risk of genetic disorders
- Incompatible (Very Bad): High risk of genetic disorders
Conclusion
The blood is more than just a means of transporting oxygen and nutrients within the body. Understanding your blood genotype is a powerful way to take charge of your health, avoiding potentially life-threatening disorders, and even finding compatible partners.
