Cross matching is a critical step performed before blood transfusion.

It involves mixing a sample of donor blood with recipient blood/plasma to check for immune reactions.

The test ensures that the recipient’s immune system will not attack the donor’s red blood cells.

Clinical uses include:

Safe transfusion of whole blood or packed red cells.

Preventing hemolytic transfusion reactions.

Supporting surgical, emergency, and chronic transfusion needs.

Cross match is performed after determining ABO blood group and Rh type.

Analyte/Focus: Compatibility between donor red blood cells and recipient plasma.

Types of Cross Match:

Major Cross Match: Donor red cells tested against recipient plasma.

Minor Cross Match: Donor plasma tested against recipient red cells (less commonly done today).

Normal Result: No agglutination or hemolysis → blood is compatible.

Abnormal Result: Agglutination or hemolysis → incompatibility, transfusion not safe.

Clinical Use:

Ensures safe transfusion of blood products.

Prevents immune-mediated transfusion reactions.

Provides essential safety in emergency and routine transfusions.