Routine Cross‐Matching is not Necessary for a Transurethral Resection of the Prostate

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Abstract
Summary— Two hundred and fifty‐five consecutive patients undergoing transurethral prostatectomy were studied prospectively to test a policy of not routinely cross‐matching blood. Blood was ordered only for patients with anaemia, a major medical risk factor, a prostate gland estimated to be greater than 60 g, or the presence of red cell alloantibodies. Of the 203 patients who were “grouped and saved” only, 30 (12%) were subsequently cross‐matched and 22 (8.5%) transfused. There were no significant problems as a result of the operation of this policy. The value of these pre‐operative criteria for cross‐matching was confirmed, apart from the clinical estimation of prostatic size. The use of such a policy cauld be of significant value to the hospital blood transfusion services.