Pretransfusion Testing

A phrase that describes the routine tests performed by a transfusion service prior to transfusing a blood product. Generally speaking, this testing includes testing a properly identified recipient blood sample for ABO and Rh type, performing an antibody screen, and evaluating compatibility with a crossmatch (the type of crossmatch will vary depending on the presence or absence of clinically significant antibodies either now or in the past). Clinical staff usually refer to these tests as “type and screen” or “type and cross,” which are two different but similar types of pretransfusion tests.

For much more on pretransfusion testing, please listen to episodes 050CE and 051 of the Blood Bank Guy Essentials Podcast or watch my 2012 “Pretransfusion Testing” video.

Back to Glossary List