[Standard methods of blood group serology--state and trends of development].

The notion of transfusion serology comprises also serologic examinations in connection with transfusions of thrombocytes and leucocytes. The minimum demands of serological methods in the German Pharmacopoeia 7 (DAB 7) obligatory nowadays before transfusions of full blood and concentrates of erythrocytes should be changed and enlarged as follows: Obligatory carrying-through of the bed-side-test, inclusion of the ferment- and/or Coombs-test as major test into the cross typing, abolition of the minor test. In connection with the transfusions of leucocytes and thrombocytes determinations of the HLA-antibodies and cross typings are practicable in the institutions of the transfusion service. Transfusion must principally be striven for, taking into consideration the HLA-typing, but at present it is only limitedly possible. The search for donors among relations by blood increases the chances of the serological compatibility. Necessity and scale of an "emergency serology" still need discussion. Optimum haemotherapy is possible only then, when clinics and transfusion service work together in very close coordination.