cross matching: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Medical, Technical, Formal
Quick answer
What does “cross matching” mean?
The process of comparing and checking the compatibility of two things, most commonly blood types for transfusion or data between systems.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process of comparing and checking the compatibility of two things, most commonly blood types for transfusion or data between systems.
In a broader sense, it can refer to any systematic comparison to ensure compatibility, alignment, or similarity between separate entities, such as information, documents, or product components.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The hyphen in 'cross-matching' is more consistently used in British English technical writing; American English often omits it ('crossmatching'). The term's frequency is similar in both variants within medical contexts.
Connotations
Strongly associated with medical safety protocols. No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general English. Its use is almost exclusively confined to medical/technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “cross matching” in a Sentence
cross-matching [of] something [with/against] somethingperform cross-matching [on] patient/donorVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cross matching” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The lab will cross-match the donor unit before issuing it.
- All samples must be cross-matched against the recipient's serum.
American English
- We need to crossmatch this blood immediately.
- The system automatically crossmatches the patient's records.
adverb
British English
- Not typically used as an adverb.
American English
- Not typically used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The cross-matching procedure took thirty minutes.
- We reviewed the cross-matching results.
American English
- The crossmatching report is ready.
- Follow the crossmatch protocol.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in IT for data integrity checks ('cross-matching database entries').
Academic
Used in medical, biomedical, and laboratory science research papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used when discussing medical procedures in detail.
Technical
Core term in transfusion medicine, haematology, and laboratory procedures.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cross matching”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cross matching”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cross matching”
- Using it as a verb without a helper verb (e.g., 'They cross-matched the blood' is correct; 'They cross matching the blood' is incorrect). Confusing it with 'matching' alone, which lacks the reciprocal/comparative element.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes, in standard usage. Its core meaning is medical (blood transfusion). However, by analogy, it can be extended to other compatibility checks in very technical contexts (e.g., data verification), though 'cross-referencing' is often preferred there.
Blood typing determines the ABO and Rh group (e.g., A+). Cross-matching is a subsequent, specific test where the donor's red cells are mixed with the recipient's serum to check for unexpected antibodies that could cause a reaction.
In American English technical texts, it is common. In British English and for clarity in international publications, the hyphenated form 'cross-matching' is often recommended.
No. It is a very low-frequency, specialized term. It is only necessary for learners working in or studying medical, laboratory, or specific technical fields.
The process of comparing and checking the compatibility of two things, most commonly blood types for transfusion or data between systems.
Cross matching is usually medical, technical, formal in register.
Cross matching: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɒs ˌmætʃ.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɑːs ˌmætʃ.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CROSSroad: two paths (donor blood and recipient) MEETING to be checked for a safe match.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEDICAL SAFETY IS A VERIFICATION RITUAL / COMPATIBILITY IS A LOCK AND KEY.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'cross-matching' most precisely and commonly used?