Is it time to give up the crossmatch?

Extra effort was then put into the crossmatch, aimed at detection of atypical antibodies, with the result that by the 1960s red blood cell transfusions were being given only after extensive crossmatching performed in saline, at room temperature and body temperature, by enzyme methods, by albumin addition, and by the indirect antiglobulin test. The American Association of Blood Banks recommends such checking.\n From the surgeon's point of view the chief advantage is speed and an almost unlimited supply of blood.