What is the purpose of a blood test that checks compatibility before a transfusion?

The purpose of a blood test that checks compatibility before a transfusion is referred to as a cross-match. This process involves mixing a small sample of the donor's blood with a sample of the recipient's blood to determine if the two are compatible. It is crucial for ensuring that the recipient's immune system does not react adversely to the transfused blood.

During a cross-match, any potential immune reactions are identified in order to prevent transfusion reactions, which can occur if the recipient's body recognizes the donor blood as foreign and mounts an immune response against it. This is a vital step in safely administering blood transfusions, as it directly relates to the success and safety of the procedure.

Blood typing is related, but it specifically identifies the ABO blood group and Rh factor of both the donor and recipient, rather than the compatibility of the blood itself. While a compatibility test might seem similar, the term cross-match is the standard terminology used in medical settings to denote the specific test conducted to ensure safe blood transfusions. Cross-reference does not pertain to blood compatibility and does not have a defined role in transfusion medicine.