What is a crossmatch?
A crossmatch is a laboratory test performed before transplantation to detect antibodies in the recipient’s blood that may destroy the transplanted organ. The test is performed with the white blood cells (lymphocytes) from the potential donor and the serum (the straw yellow colored fluid formed when blood clots) of the patient. In cases where lymphocytes from a potential donor are attacked by the patient’s antibodies, transplantation with this donor may not occur and another will be sought.
