Development and application of electronic crossmatch in Dongguan city

Electronic crossmatching is a computer-assisted technology used to confirm if red blood cell (RBC) blood products are suitable for the intended recipient. In addition to mainland China, electronic crossmatching has been used in many countries. Here we have developed an electronic crossmatching system for clinical application. The primary and advanced system of electronic crossmatching was developed, the primary system includes ABO and RhD blood group antigens, and the advanced system includes 18 common RBC group antigens. We completed in-situ and online testing; the system was installed in six general hospitals in Dongguan for clinical application. A total of 31,941 crossmatches were performed by both electronic and serological crossmatching from July 1st, 2015 to April 30th, 2016. The electronic crossmatch shows to be more powerful than serological crossmatching, if RBC blood products and recipients were compatible when electronic and serological crossmatch completed, all blood were issued to clinic. In this condition, no case of hemolytic transfusion adverse reaction occurred. In conclusion, the electronic crossmatch system can be used in transfusion medicine and is capable of reducing laboratory workload and costs, as well as improving transfusion safety.