Type and screen system for elective surgery in obstetrics and gynecology

In June, 1983, a preoperative blood ordering policy of "type and screen" was introduced in our department for elective surgery. Using this system, sera are preoperatively tested for unexpected antibodies and ABO/Rh typing is done. If the antibody screen result is negative, crossmatching is not done preoperatively. This paper reports our experience with the type and screen system in obstetrical and gynecological practice, and documents its safety, usefulness and efficiency. By adopting this system, the overall ratio of crossmatch to transfusion (C/T)-declined from 8.96 to 1.84. There were 3 patients in this series of 80 (3.75%) with a positive antibody screen result. No untoward reactions were observed following transfusion. Based on these results, the type and screen system for preoperative blood ordering is recommended for most of routine obstetrical and gynecological procedures.