The crossmatch. A brief historical perspective.

First described in 1907, the crossmatch has been in a constant state of modification since that time. Major milestones in the evolution of the test include demonstration of the relative importance of red blood cell typing and of the matching test, development of rapid techniques for the test, advent of high protein, antiglobulin and enzyme techniques, and resolution of issues related to the minor crossmatch and the need for complement in the test.