What is Cross Matching?

• Cross Match is a laboratory test, performed prior to a blood transfusion to determine whether donor blood is compatible (or incompatible) with recipient blood.
• The Compatibility can be determined by matching the different blood group systems, such as ABO and Rh system, and/or by directly testing for the presence of antibodies against a sample of donor tissues or blood.
• The main purpose of this test is to distinguish the appearance of antibodies in the recipient against the red blood cells of the donor. These antibodies can be found on the surface of red blood cells of the donor after transfusion. 
• An incompatible transfusion can lead to severe hemolytic anemia and even death.
• The Cross Match test does not perform in dogs and horses, because in them the naturally occurring antibody against important hemolytic red blood cell antigens are absent. Hence, these animals need sensitization to the red cell antigen, before a hemolytic reaction will occur.  
• After completion of blood transfusion to a dog or horse, a crossmatch should be performed prior to any subsequent transfusions to detect antibodies that may have been produced against a different red blood cell antigen.

Purpose of Blood Cross Matching

This test is performed as the final step of pretransfusion compatibility testing. The main purpose of compatibility tests are to detect: irregular antibodies; errors in ABO grouping, and clerical errors in patient identification and result recording. The cross match is used to detect;

The purpose of blood cross matching is to ensure compatibility between a recipient’s blood and a donated blood product, such as red blood cells, platelets, or plasma. The test is typically performed before a blood transfusion or organ transplant to reduce the risk of a reaction between the recipient’s blood and the donated blood product.

There are several different blood cross matching tests that may be performed, depending on the type of blood product being transfused or the specific blood group system being tested. Some common blood cross matching tests include the ABO blood group cross matching test, the Rh blood group cross matching test, the major crossmatch or antibody screening test, and the minor crossmatch or direct antiglobulin test (DAT).

In general, blood cross matching tests are designed to detect the presence of antibodies in the recipient’s blood that may react with the donated blood cells. If the recipient’s blood contains antibodies that are specific to certain blood groups, they may bind to the donated blood cells and cause them to clump together. This indicates that there is an incompatibility between the recipient’s blood and the donated blood, and that the transfusion or transplant should not proceed.

By performing a blood cross matching test before a transfusion or transplant, healthcare providers can ensure that the donated blood product is compatible with the recipient’s blood and reduce the risk of a reaction between the two. This helps to ensure the safety and success of the transfusion or transplant.

Principle of Cross Matching

Cross-matching is based on the serological detection of any clinically significant abnormal/unexpected antibodies in the blood of either the donor or the receiver. There are two varieties of cross-matching:

Major Cross Match: It entails comparing the donor’s red cells with the recipient’s serum to evaluate the presence of any antibodies that may cause hemolysis or agglutination of the donor’s red cells. This is more crucial than minor cross-matching.

Minor Cross Match: It entails analysing donor plasma with recipient red cells to evaluate the presence of any antibodies that may cause hemolysis or agglutination.

Type	Donor’s	Recipient’s
Major Cross Match	Red Cells	Serum/Plasma
Minor Cross Match	Serum/Plasma	Red Cells

Types of cross match

Blood cross matching is a laboratory test that is used to determine compatibility between a potential blood donor and a recipient before a blood transfusion is given. There are several types of blood cross matching that are used to ensure the safety of the transfusion:

1. ABO blood group cross matching

This type of cross matching involves matching the ABO blood group of the donor and recipient. The ABO blood group system consists of four blood types: A, B, AB, and O. It is important to match the blood type of the donor and recipient to avoid complications such as hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells).

Principle of ABO blood group cross matching

The ABO blood group cross matching principle involves matching the ABO blood group of the donor and recipient to ensure compatibility before a blood transfusion is given. The ABO blood group system consists of four blood types: A, B, AB, and O.

In order for a blood transfusion to be successful, the blood type of the donor and recipient must be compatible. If the blood types of the donor and recipient are incompatible, it can cause a transfusion reaction, which is an adverse reaction that occurs when the donor’s blood and the recipient’s blood are incompatible.

The ABO blood group cross matching principle is based on the presence or absence of certain antigens on the surface of red blood cells. Antigens are proteins that are found on the surface of red blood cells and are used by the body’s immune system to identify foreign substances.

There are two main antigens in the ABO blood group system: A and B. If a person’s red blood cells have the A antigen, they are blood type A. If their red blood cells have the B antigen, they are blood type B. If their red blood cells have both the A and B antigens, they are blood type AB. If their red blood cells have neither the A nor the B antigens, they are blood type O.

In order to ensure compatibility between the donor and recipient, the blood type

2. Rh blood group cross matching

This type of cross matching involves matching the Rh blood group of the donor and recipient. The Rh blood group system consists of two blood types: Rh positive and Rh negative. It is important to match the Rh blood type of the donor and recipient to avoid complications such as hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells).

Principle of Rh blood group cross matching

The Rh blood group system is a system of blood typing that is used to classify red blood cells based on the presence or absence of a particular protein called the Rh factor. People who have the Rh factor are known as Rh-positive, while those who do not have the Rh factor are known as Rh-negative.

The Rh blood group cross matching test is a laboratory test that is performed to determine if a person’s blood is compatible with a particular blood product, such as red blood cells, platelets, or plasma. The test is typically performed before a blood transfusion or organ transplant to ensure that the recipient’s body will not reject the donated blood or organ.

To perform the Rh blood group cross matching test, a small sample of the recipient’s blood is mixed with a sample of the donated blood. The samples are then incubated together and observed for any signs of agglutination, or clumping of the red blood cells. If the red blood cells clump together, it indicates that there is an incompatibility between the two blood samples and that the transfusion or transplant should not proceed.

The principle behind the Rh blood group cross matching test is based on the presence or absence of antibodies in the recipient’s blood that may react with the Rh factor on the donated blood cells. If the recipient’s blood contains antibodies that are specific to the Rh factor, they may bind to the donated blood cells and cause them to clump together. This indicates that there is an incompatibility between the recipient’s blood and the donated blood, and that the transfusion or transplant should not proceed.

3. Antibody screening

This type of cross matching involves testing the recipient’s blood for antibodies that may react with the donor’s blood. If the recipient has antibodies that react with the donor’s blood, it could cause a transfusion reaction.

Principle of Antibody screening

The antibody screening test is a laboratory test that is used to determine if a person’s blood contains antibodies that may react with a particular blood product, such as red blood cells, platelets, or plasma. The test is typically performed before a blood transfusion or organ transplant to ensure that the recipient’s body will not reject the donated blood or organ.

The principle behind the antibody screening test is based on the presence of antibodies in the recipient’s blood that may react with the donated blood cells. Antibodies are proteins that are produced by the immune system to help protect the body against foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses. If the recipient’s blood contains antibodies that are specific to certain blood groups, they may bind to the donated blood cells and cause them to clump together. This indicates that there is an incompatibility between the recipient’s blood and the donated blood, and that the transfusion or transplant should not proceed.

To perform the antibody screening test, a small sample of the recipient’s blood is mixed with a sample of the donated blood. The mixed blood samples are then incubated together and observed for any signs of agglutination, or clumping of the red blood cells. If agglutination occurs, it indicates that there is an incompatibility between the recipient’s blood and the donated blood, and that the transfusion or transplant should not proceed. If no agglutination occurs, the result is reported as compatible and the transfusion or transplant can proceed.

It is important to note that the antibody screening test is just one of several tests that may be performed to ensure compatibility between a recipient’s blood and a donated blood product. Other tests may include cross matching for specific blood group systems, such as the ABO and Rh blood group systems, as well as testing for other antibodies or antigens that may cause a reaction between the recipient’s blood and the donated blood product.

4. Direct antiglobulin test (DAT)

This type of cross matching involves testing the donor’s blood for antibodies that may react with the recipient’s red blood cells. If the donor’s blood contains antibodies that react with the recipient’s red blood cells, it could cause a transfusion reaction.

Principle of Direct antiglobulin test (DAT)

The direct antiglobulin test (DAT), also known as the direct Coombs test, is a laboratory test that is used to detect the presence of antibodies or other proteins on the surface of red blood cells. The test is typically used to diagnose autoimmune hemolytic anemia, a condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys its own red blood cells.

The principle behind the DAT is based on the fact that antibodies or other proteins can bind to the surface of red blood cells and cause them to clump together or agglutinate. To perform the DAT, a small sample of the person’s blood is mixed with a solution containing antihuman globulin, a protein that binds to antibodies or other proteins on the surface of red blood cells. If antibodies or other proteins are present on the surface of the red blood cells, they will bind to the antihuman globulin and cause the red blood cells to clump together. This indicates the presence of antibodies or other proteins on the surface of the red blood cells.

The DAT is typically performed in conjunction with other laboratory tests, such as the indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) and the complete blood count (CBC), to diagnose autoimmune hemolytic anemia and to determine the appropriate treatment.

It is important to note that the DAT is just one of several tests that may be used to diagnose autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Other tests may include the IAT, the CBC, and tests to measure the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in the blood.

5. Autocontrol

This cross match test is performed between the recipient serum with recipient red blood cells.

It’s worth noting that blood cross matching is an important step in the process of transfusing blood to ensure the safety of the recipient. It helps to reduce the risk of transfusion reactions and other complications that may occur as a result of the transfusion.

Requirement

• Red Cells from donor’s body and Serum/Plasma from Recipient’s (For Major Cross Match).
• Serum/Plasma from donor’s body and Red Cells from Recipient’s (For Minor Cross Match).

Cross Matching Procedure

There are present various techniques for cross-matching. Among them, Anti-human globulin (AHG) cross match technique is widely used. Some examples of Cross Match techniques are;

Method of Cross Match	Detects Antibody of Type :
Saline Cross Match	IgM
Albumin Cross Match	IgG
Anti-Human Globulin (AHG) Cross Match	IgG

Major Cross Match

1. Prepare blood samples from both the donor and the recipient, including the donor’s red cells and the recipient’s serum/plasma.
2. Prepare a 3-5% red cell suspension in saline.
3. Label a test tube.
4. Add two drops of the donor’s serum and one drop of the recipient’s serum.
5. Mix and incubate the tubes for 60 minutes at 37 degrees Celsius.
6. Remove all of the serum and wash the cells three times in saline.
7. Mix with two drops of Anti-human Globulin (AHG). Allow to stand for 5 minutes at room temperature.
8. Centrifuge at 1500 rpm for 1 minute.
9. Using both macro- and microscopy, search for agglutination.
10. If no macroscopic agglutination is noticed, a little amount should be transferred to a glass slide and examined for microscopic agglutination. Rouleaux does not signify incompatibility.

Minor Cross Match

1. Prepare blood samples from the donor and recipient: the recipient’s red cells and the donor’s serum/plasma.
2. Label a test tube.
3. Add two drops of serum from the donor and one drop of cell suspension from the recipient.
4. Mix and incubate the tubes for 60 minutes at 37 degrees Celsius.
5. Remove all of the serum and wash the cells three times in saline.
6. Mix with two drops of Anti-human Globulin (AHG). Allow to stand for 5 minutes at room temperature.
7. Centrifuge at 1500 rpm for 1 minute.
8. Using both macro- and microscopy, search for agglutination.
9. If no macroscopic agglutination is noticed, a little amount should be transferred to a glass slide and examined for microscopic agglutination. Rouleaux does not signify incompatibility.

Result of Cross Matching

Both major and minor cross-matches should reveal no agglutination between compatible donor and receiver blood. Blood that is incompatible in a major cross-match should never be transfused, as the recipient’s huge plasma volume containing antibodies can quickly destroy the donor’s red cells. Minor incompatibility is less significant since the antibodies in the donor’s serum are diluted in the recipient’s plasma, rendering them useless.

Application of Cross Match test

• This test is used during a blood transfusion.
• Cross Match test is used if anyone having a certain medical problem that could cause significant blood loss, such as a cesarean section, a renal biopsy, or a cholecystectomy.
• Used for sickle cell disease or thalassemia.
• Used to check the effects of chemotherapy.
• Used for detection of a bleeding disorder, for example, hemophilia.
• During pregnancy, this test is used to find out if the patient is Rh-negative or positive.
• This test is performed during organ transplant, bone marrow transplant, or tissue transplant.

Why to Get Cross matching?

Cross matching is a laboratory test that is used to determine compatibility between a potential blood donor and a recipient before a blood transfusion is given. There are several reasons why cross matching is important:

1. To reduce the risk of transfusion reactions: Cross matching helps to reduce the risk of transfusion reactions, which are adverse reactions that can occur when the donor’s blood and the recipient’s blood are incompatible. Transfusion reactions can range from mild to severe and can include symptoms such as fever, chills, shortness of breath, and hives.
2. To ensure the safety of the transfusion: Cross matching helps to ensure the safety of the transfusion by identifying any potential incompatibilities between the donor’s blood and the recipient’s blood. This helps to reduce the risk of complications that may occur as a result of the transfusion.
3. To match the blood type of the donor and recipient: Cross matching helps to match the blood type of the donor and recipient to avoid complications such as hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells). It is important to match the blood type of the donor and recipient to ensure that the transfusion is successful and does not cause any adverse reactions.
4. To match the Rh blood group of the donor and recipient: Cross matching also helps to match the Rh blood group of the donor and recipient. The Rh blood group system consists of two blood types: Rh positive and Rh negative. It is important to match the Rh blood type of the donor and recipient to avoid complications such as hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells).

Overall, cross matching is an important step in the process of transfusing blood to ensure the safety of the recipient and to reduce the risk of transfusion reactions and other complications that may occur as a result of the transfusion.

Why do I need this test?

It is not possible for me to determine why you specifically may need a blood cross matching test without more information. Blood cross matching is a laboratory test that is used to determine compatibility between a potential blood donor and a recipient before a blood transfusion is given. There are several reasons why a person may need to have a blood cross matching test, including:

1. To prepare for a blood transfusion: If you are going to receive a blood transfusion, your healthcare provider may order a blood cross matching test to ensure that the donor’s blood is compatible with your blood. This helps to reduce the risk of transfusion reactions and other complications that may occur as a result of the transfusion.
2. To check for bleeding disorders: If you have a bleeding disorder, your healthcare provider may order a blood cross matching test to determine if you have any antibodies that may react with the donor’s blood. If you have antibodies that react with the donor’s blood, it could cause a transfusion reaction.
3. To prepare for surgery: If you are going to have surgery, your healthcare provider may order a blood cross matching test to ensure that you have enough red blood cells and to check for any potential incompatibilities between your blood and the donor’s blood.
4. To diagnose a blood disorder: If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to a blood disorder, your healthcare provider may order a blood cross matching test to help diagnose the condition.

It is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine why you specifically may need a blood cross matching test. They will be able to provide you with more information about the test and the specific reasons why it is being ordered.

What happens if crossmatch is positive?

If a blood crossmatch test is positive, it indicates that there is an incompatibility between a recipient’s blood and a donated blood product. This means that the transfusion or transplant should not proceed unless additional testing or precautions are taken to ensure the safety and success of the procedure.

A positive crossmatch does not necessarily mean that the transfusion or transplant cannot proceed, but it does indicate that additional testing or precautions may be necessary to ensure the safety and success of the procedure. Some possible options in the event of a positive crossmatch may include:

• Performing additional crossmatching tests to determine the specific cause of the incompatibility
• Using a different blood product that is compatible with the recipient’s blood
• Pretreating the recipient’s blood with medications to remove or neutralize any antibodies that may cause a reaction with the donated blood product
• Using a blood product from a universal donor, such as type O negative red blood cells

It is important to carefully follow the transfusion or transplant guidelines and protocols to ensure the safety and success of the procedure, even in the event of a positive crossmatch.

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