Grouping & Cross-Matching
ABO and Rh grouping plus a full cross-match with the patient’s sample before every unit is issued.
Giving blood of the wrong group can cause a serious reaction. That is why we never issue red cells on the blood group alone: every unit is cross-matched against the patient’s own blood sample in our laboratory first.
What we test
- ABO and Rh (D) grouping of the patient and of every donated unit.
- Cross-match — the patient’s serum is tested against the donor red cells to make sure they are compatible.
- Antibody screening on request, for patients who have had many transfusions or pregnancies.
What to bring
A fresh blood sample from the patient, correctly labelled with the patient’s full name and hospital number, and the doctor’s request. If the patient has had a transfusion before, tell us — some patients develop antibodies that make matching take longer.
For patients on regular transfusions, such as thalassaemia, we keep their cross-match history so each visit is quicker and safer.
Need blood urgently? We are one call away.
Call our emergency line or send the patient details on WhatsApp — our team will confirm availability and cross-matching straight away.