crossmatch

cross·match (krosґmach) 1. a test of the compatibility of donor and recipient blood performed before transfusion: red cells of the donor are placed in serum of the recipient (major crossmatch) and red cells of the recipient in serum of the donor (minor crossmatch) and antiglobulin is added to increase reactivity; the presence of hemolysis or agglutination indicates incompatibility. 2. a test for the presence in the serum of a prospective transplant recipient of cytotoxic antibodies against donor tissue antigens: donor lymphocytes are placed in serum of the recipient; the presence of cytolysis indicates incompatibility and the likelihood of hyperacute graft rejection. Called also pretransplant crossmatch and HLA crossmatch. Written also cross match and cross-match.