Summary:An effective, modular automated blood grouping system has been developed which performs more effectively than the AG16C autogroupers and which uses readily obtainable reagents and disposables. Operating and maintenance costs are low by comparison with currently available equipment of similar capacity. The 99·2% success rate for blood grouping using this image analysis‐based system compares well with the 98·3% success rate on the AG16C autogroupers. Staffing requirements are reduced and the flexible modular approach allows this Newcastle system to be used for a range of serological functions, including grouping, antibody screening and screening for antigen donors. The ability to operate with small sample numbers without long start‐up times and the relatively low capital cost makes the Newcastle system an option that could be considered by the larger hospitals as well as transfusion centres. The sensitivity of the system could be developed to include compatibility testing as a feature of the s