What does "TandC" stand for in blood transfusions?

"TandC" in the context of blood transfusions stands for "Type and crossmatch." This is a critical process that occurs before a blood transfusion to ensure compatibility between the donor blood and the recipient's blood. Type refers to determining the blood group of the recipient, while crossmatching involves mixing the recipient's plasma with the donor red blood cells to check for any adverse reactions.

Ensuring proper type and crossmatch is essential to avoid transfusion reactions, which can be severe and potentially life-threatening. Therefore, understanding this abbreviation is crucial for nursing professionals involved in administering blood products, as it underscores the importance of safety and patient care in transfusion practices.