Blood typing
Alternate Names : Cross matching, Rh typing, ABO blood typing
Risks
Risks associated with taking blood may include: - Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Multiple punctures to locate veins
- Excessive bleeding
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Special Considerations
There are many antigens besides the major ones (A, B, and Rh). Many minor ones are not routinely detected during blood typing. If they are not detected, you may still have a reaction when receiving certain types of blood, even if the A, B, and Rh antigens are matched.
A process called cross-matching followed by a Coombs' test can help detect these minor antigens and is routinely done prior to transfusions, except in emergency situations.
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