What it means
The type finds the client's ABO group and Rh factor and screens for antibodies. The crossmatch then mixes the client's plasma with red cells from a specific donor unit to make sure they are compatible. It is done before a planned blood transfusionBLUD trans-FYOO-zhunGiving blood, or a part of blood, from a donor into a person's vein.trans- acrossfus/o pourFull entry and before surgery that may need one. A sample is usually good for about 3 days if the client has been pregnant or transfused recently, as policy directs.
For the nurse
Label the specimen at the bedside with two client identifiers, as the blood bank requires; a mislabeled sample is rejected. Before hanging blood, two qualified staff check the unit against the client and the order.
At a glance
| Also written | type and cross, crossmatch, cross-match |
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Related terms
blood transfusion
Giving blood, or a part of blood, from a donor into a person's vein.
anaphylaxis
A sudden, severe allergic reaction that affects the whole body.
red blood cell
A blood cell that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues; also called an erythrocyte.