Experience with a cost-effective crossmatch protocol

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Clinical Pathology
• Laboratory Science

Background:

• Routine pretransfusion blood testing includes ABO group, Rh type, and antibody screening.
• Crossmatching procedures vary based on the presence of unexpected red blood cell antibodies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of a modified blood crossmatching protocol.
• To assess the impact of targeted crossmatching on blood inventory and wastage.

Main Methods:

• Patients with unexpected antibodies underwent full crossmatching (immediate spin, 37°C incubation, indirect antiglobulin test).
• Patients without unexpected antibodies received immediate spin crossmatch only, performed upon blood issuance.
• Protocol implemented over 8.5 months, tracking crossmatch numbers and costs.

Main Results:

• 27,742 crossmatches were performed.
• 46,959 unnecessary crossmatches were avoided.
• Direct costs were reduced by at least +49,300.
• Blood inventory control was optimized, with only 0.19% of units expiring.

Conclusions:

• A targeted crossmatching protocol is efficient and cost-effective.
• This strategy optimizes blood bank operations and reduces wastage.
• Modified crossmatching protocols can enhance transfusion service resource management.