Learning objectives:

• Detail the pretransfusion compatibility tests required prior to blood product transfusion
• Detail the different types of red blood cell crossmatch available and benefits of each
• Discuss the importance of the ABO blood groups system and know the red blood cell and plasma compatibility charts for transfusion
• Explain why the Rh blood group system is so immunogenic
• Detail the most clinically relevant facts of the Kell, Duffy and Kidd blood group systems
• Discuss the importance of specialized (Rh and Kell) matching prior to transfusion in patients with sickle cell anemia
• Discuss the results of failing to detect a clinically significant red cell alloantibody prior to transfusion of red blood cells