crossmatching

crossmatching [L, crux + AS, gemaecca, matching] , a procedure in blood transfusions and organ transplantation. The recipient’s erythrocytes or leukocytes are incubated with the donor’s serum and vice versa. Various testing procedures are then performed to ensure that the donor and recipient have blood group compatibility or histocompatibility. Compare blood typing. See also ABO blood group, Rh factor, transfusion, transfusion reaction.