What is the main purpose of cross-matching tests in transfusion medicine?

The main purpose of cross-matching tests in transfusion medicine is to ensure compatibility between donor and recipient blood. This process is critical because transfusing incompatible blood can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening reactions in the recipient. Cross-matching tests typically involve mixing a small sample of the donor's blood with the recipient’s blood to observe for any adverse reactions. If the blood samples are compatible, it indicates that the recipient's immune system is unlikely to react negatively to the donor blood, ensuring a safe transfusion.

Other options tend to focus on different aspects of blood analysis that are not directly related to the compatibility needed for transfusions. Identifying blood types is an important preliminary step but does not address the immediate compatibility concern that cross-matching tests resolve. Measuring iron and assessing hemoglobin levels are pertinent to overall health and blood function but do not play a role in the transfusion process itself.