Nigeria, Nov. 7 -- Blood transfusion can save lives, particularly in emergencies involving severe blood loss, childbirth complications, surgery and serious illnesses.

However, when donated blood is not properly screened and tested for compatibility, a procedure intended to save a patient's life can expose them to potentially fatal complications.

While determining a donor's blood group is an essential first step, medical laboratory scientists say it is not enough to establish whether the blood is safe for a recipient.

Adedoye David and Olaiya Oluwatoba, who are medical laboratory scientists, explained to PT HEALTH WATCH that donated blood must undergo additional laboratory tests, including crossmatching and screening for transfusion-tra...