Shop - Coombs Test – Indirect

Description

• Coombs Test – Indirect: This test, also known as the Indirect Antiglobulin Test (IAT), detects antibodies in the serum that may react with red blood cells. It is primarily used to screen for antibodies prior to blood transfusions and to assess hemolytic disease of the newborn.
• Overview: The Indirect Coombs Test involves mixing a patient’s serum with red blood cells of known antigenic specificity to determine if there are any antibodies present that could cause a reaction with transfused blood.
• Purpose: This test is commonly performed before blood transfusions to ensure compatibility, as well as during pregnancy to assess the risk of Rh incompatibility and potential hemolytic disease in the newborn.
• Interpretation: A positive result indicates the presence of antibodies against red blood cell antigens, which could lead to transfusion reactions or complications during pregnancy. A negative result suggests no such antibodies are present.
• Procedure: A blood sample is collected from the patient, and serum is separated. The serum is then incubated with red blood cells that have specific antigens. After incubation, Coombs reagent is added to check for agglutination, indicating the presence of antibodies. No special preparation is typically required.