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Crossmatch Testing
What is it?
When you need a blood transfusion, your doctor orders a crossmatch to test your blood against a donor’s to make sure it’s safe. This is sometimes called a “type and cross.”
Do I have to prepare for the test?
You may need to collect a sample a few days before, so there is enough time to do the test.
What is my blood type?
Your blood type is determined by the presence or absence of substances called antigens (AN-ti-jen) on your red blood cells. Two common blood group systems, ABO and Rh, make your blood type.
ABO groups are A, B, O, and AB. Rh is positive or negative. These are combined independently. O positive, for instance, is a common blood type. O negative, the so-called “universal donor,” is less common.
Your blood type is important in crossmatching, because it has to “match” the type of the donor. Proteins called antibodies in your blood can attach to donor blood type antigens, destroying transfused blood. This kind of reaction is very serious.
Why not just give me my blood type?
ABO and Rh are the most well-known blood grouping systems. A crossmatch includes testing for antibodies in your blood to many different antigens, so you get the safest blood possible.
What kind of specimen is collected?
Before collection, a wristband is placed on your arm, and your identity double-checked to make sure you don’t get the wrong blood. The laboratory collects a blood sample using a needle. One end is inserted into a vein, and the other end connects to a red or pink top tube. Two or more samples may be collected.
How is the sample tested?
Your blood sample is centrifuged (a machine spins the sample rapidly for ten minutes to separate its parts). The liquid portion of your sample that contains antibodies is mixed with the red blood cells from a donor unit. If they don’t react, the blood is crossmatch compatible.
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