I just finished reading "Live Right 4 Your Type," & I noticed some references to MN status & Type A subtypes. I just mailed in my secretor test that I bought from The Blood Type Store.  How important is it to find out MN & Type A subtype, & how would I get tested for it?  I'm Type AB+.  Thanks for your help.

subtypes MN in A
http://www.dadamo.com/knowbase/subtype/subtype5.htm
...

In LR4YT you can see the food status changes depending on your A subtype and MN status.  If those differences impact foods that you use in your diet than finding out your subtypes might be particularly useful.

Also if you have any health problems and have a BT knowledgeable doctor, then knowing your subtypes would probably be useful.

Certainly finding out your secretor status is more important.

Where in the world are you located?

I'm located in Nashville, Tennessee.

If you contact the lab at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine they'll send you a collection kit, then you'll need to find any local lab to do the blood draw for you, then send it in.

I have a related question, I remember hearing something about some subtype result possibly changing during pregnancy.  Could that effect the Lewis or MN results?

In my own experience it can be really hard finding anyone willing to make that blood draw for you so I'd like to suggest that before you order the kit that you contact the lab or nurse or whomever you plan to have do the blood draw for you to make sure they will do it.

I live with a Licensed Practical Nurse, so I'm sure she can do it.

Quoted from Melissa_J

I have a related question, I remember hearing something about some subtype result possibly changing during pregnancy.  Could that effect the Lewis or MN results?

Yes, the Lewis antigens disassociate from the red cells during pregnancy making pregnant women type as Le(a-b-) even if they are genetically Le(a-b+) or Le(a+b-).

Oh thank you!  I'll definitely wait to get my test done then.  Do you know how long after the birth it takes to get back to normal?

Oh, and for those looking for a lab to do the draw, the SCNM lab doesn't charge you for the test kit until you send it back in.  I've got my kit, but won't be getting the draw for a while now...

Oh, and I don't think SCNM does A subtype tests; I don't know who does, but you can always ask them.

I just spoke with SCNM on the phone & was told they test for everything.  It's $120 to get it all done.

Quoted from Melissa_J

Oh thank you!  I'll definitely wait to get my test done then.  Do you know how long after the birth it takes to get back to normal?

Oh, and for those looking for a lab to do the draw, the SCNM lab doesn't charge you for the test kit until you send it back in.  I've got my kit, but won't be getting the draw for a while now...

Textbooks don't say when, but I would think within a few months (120 days/this is normal red cell turn over). BTW, A subgrouping is included if one is an A or AB.