Explanation should include ABO and Rh typing and screening for unexpected antibodies to other red cell antigens as well as crossmatching.

Process/Skill Questions:

• Why is it important for immunohematology or transfusion service to verify the blood type of each donor?
• What is meant by compatibility of blood types? Which blood types are compatible with other blood types?
• Are any blood types incompatible with all other types? Why is this important?
• How does blood type compatibility impact blood bank inventory management?
• What is the effect if the patient is transfused with an incompatible unit?
• How is compatibility testing affected by activation of emergency transfusion protocol?