Cross-match technique
Blood Transfusion (Maseno University)
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CROSS-MATCHING (Compatibility testing)
This is a laboratory procedure to determine serological compatibility between a blood donor and an intended
recipient before blood is transfused.
Unknown serum is tested with known red cells in vitro to detect antibodies.
Negative results are always taken to indicate compatibility while positive results indicate incompatibility.
Types of cross-match.
(1) Major cross-match
In this procedure, the recipient serum is sampled against donor washed red cells to detect antibodies in
the recipient’s serum which may damage the red cells of proposed donor.
(2) Minor cross-match
In this procedure, the donor’s serum is sampled against recipient’s washed red cells to detect antibodies
in the donor’s serum which may damage the red cells of intended recipient.
Importance / purpose of Cross-match
1) It detects irregular antibodies in the recipient’s serum that are directed against donors cells (major) r
donor’s antibodies directed against recipient’s cells (minor)
2) It detects errors in ABO grouping
3) It prevents transfusion reaction
4) It ensures maximum benefit for the recipient of the compatible blood.
What the Cross-match will not do
Can not ensure normal survival of donor’s cells in the recipient’s circulation
Cannot prove absence of irregular antibodies n the donor or recipient’s serum
Cannot prevent Iso-immunization of the recipient (patient)
Cannot detect all the errors in ABO grouping
Cannot detect all errors in rhesus typing.
Phases of Cross – Match
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