A simple to use, quick to run, and easy to interpret major crossmatch kit for use in companion animal transfusion medicine is now available from dmslaboratories, inc. A major crossmatch examines patient serum for the possible presence of antibodies to the donor red blood cell antigens.

Until now, performing a major crossmatch was confusing, laborious, and time-consuming, often in an emergency situation. Although blood typing is an important screening procedure for all animals, it does not replace the need to crossmatch. The crossmatching procedure can detect the presence of naturally occurring (allo) antibodies in animals with the same blood type. Furthermore, the crossmatch test can reveal the presence of antibodies that are formed subsequent to transfusion.

All animals that are possible candidates for transfusion, including, but not limited to, all animals that have a known history of transfusion, should be crossmatched before receiving blood products.

A major crossmatch should be performed prior to transfusion. Although a pet might receive more than one unit of crossmatched blood within a 3-day period, it is essential that the crossmatch test be performed again when additional blood products are needed, even as soon as 4 days post transfusion. New antibodies can develop in the recipient from 4-14 days after receiving blood.