Screening of blood

A blood sample will be taken to confirm your blood group and to screen for unusual protein. This unusual protein may react against certain red cells in the blood you will receive during the transfusion. More blood samples may be needed to identify this protein if the screening is positive. You may therefore have to wait for some time for these tests to be completed, but they are necessary to ensure your safety.

Cross-matching

Before the red cell transfusion is carried out, the donor's blood is tested against your own blood sample (called cross-matching) to ensure that the red cells to be transfused are compatible with your blood.

Verifying your identity

Before the transfusion starts, your identity will be carefully checked against the identity written on the unit of assigned blood.