How to blood type and cross-match

Abstract

In the UK blood components (products), packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, frozen plasma, cryo-precipitate and cryo-supernatant have only been available since the emergence of blood banks 5 years ago. This has led to advancement in transfusion medicine and a positive outcome for thousands of patients whose previous treatment options were restricted due to the lack of available blood. To date in the UK only canine blood products are available with feline transfusion patients being restricted to the option of fresh whole blood donated from emergency donors at the time.

With blood products now more widely available a greater understanding of using them becomes ever more important not only to ensure transfusions are being carried out safely but also to make best use of the blood donated by donors volunteered by their owners. Blood typing and cross-matching are two screening tests recommended to be performed prior to canine and feline transfusions.