RESUMO
BACKGROUND: To prevent a hemolytic transfusion reaction caused by an unexpected antibody, a crossmatch following ABO/Rh typing and antibody screening test is performed before a red cell transfusion. The conventional crossmatch method is usually performed using the room temperature saline method, 37degrees C albumin method, and anti-globulin method. With growth and development of techniques for laboratory and records management, demand for reduction of work load is on the rise, therefore, use of the "type and screen" method and Immediate spin crossmatch as a pretransfusion test is recommended. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed using records from the Pusan National University Hospital blood bank from 2008 to 2012. Room temperature saline method omitting the anti-globulin crossmatch has been used in order to issue a compatible red cell product, when antibody screening performed using a cell panel (DiaCell I-II-Dia) in all patients where a request for a red cell transfusion was sent to the blood bank is negative, without previously identified unexpected antibodies. RESULTS: In total, 107,569 units of PRBCs were requested, 100,978 units (93.88%) were issued only immediate-spin crossmatch following type and screen method, and exclusion criteria were indicated in 6.12% of the total. There was no single case where the antibody screen was negative with guarantee of compatibility and hemolytic transfusion reaction occurred. CONCLUSION: The "Type and Screen" method based on antibody screening test including Dia cells and Immediate spin crossmatch application can contribute to safe, efficient transfusion service in the blood bank.