cross matching

matching /match·ing/ (mach´ing)

1. comparison and selection of objects having similar or identical characteristics.

2. selection of compatible donors and recipients for transfusion or transplantation.

3. selection of subjects for clinical trials or other studies so that the different groups are similar in selected characteristics.

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cross matching  crossmatching.

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cross matching or crossmatching

n.

1. A test for determining the compatibility between the blood of a donor and that of a recipient before transfusion; the clumping of red blood cells indicates incompatibility.

2. A test for determining tissue compatibility between a transplant donor and the recipient before transplantation, in which the recipient's serum is tested for antibodies that may react with the lymphocytes or other cells of the donor.

3. The process of performing one of these tests.

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cross matching

a procedure vital in blood transfusions and organ transplantation. The recipient's erythrocytes or leukocytes mixed with the donor's serum and vice versa. Absence of agglutination, hemolysis and cytotoxicity indicates that the donor and recipient are blood group compatible or histocompatible.