Crossmatch

Alternative names, keywords

Samples required

EDTA blood for group and screen (G&S) (pink cap, 6 mL tube)

For paediatrics, 2 mL EDTA is required if over 4 months old, 500 µL EDTA if under 4 months old.

Test indications

Test information

If possible requests for crossmatching for elective surgery should be submitted to the laboratory by 15:00 the previous working day. For patients with atypical red cell antibodies or other special requirements as much notice as possible is required.

Specimens are held for 7 days.

Specific rules govern the timing of specimens for crossmatch in patients who have previously been transfused:

Patients transfused or pregnant in the last 3 months:	Samples to be taken not more than 72 hours before transfusion.
Patients NOT transfused and NOT pregnant in the last 3 months:	Samples to be taken not more than 7 days before transfusion.

It is recognised that for some individuals e.g. thalassaemic patients, who have been repeatedly transfused over several years and who have not developed an antibody a more tolerant approach may be taken.
_{(from section 4.6 in Guidelines for Compatibility Procedures in Blood Transfusion Laboratories, British Committee for Standards in Haematology Blood Transfusion Task Force 2004).}

Turnaround time

1 working day for routine requests.

Enquiries

Haematology (Transfusion)

Test A-Z Index.