Indirect Coombs Test
1,020 Kshs | Home Collection Available
Synonyms
Inirect antihuman globulin test (DAT)
Purpose
The Indirect Coombs Test is a blood test used to detect antibodies that are floating freely in the bloodstream and may target red blood cells. These antibodies can cause complications such as hemolytic reactions if incompatible blood is transfused.
This test is especially important in prenatal screening to detect Rh incompatibility between a pregnant woman and her fetus, and also in pre-transfusion testing to ensure safe blood compatibility.
The test can be done alongside Direct Coombs Test, Blood Typing and Crossmatching, and Antibody Screening Panels.
Patient Preparation
There are no special requirements for this test.
Samples
4.0 ml Whole blood collected in an EDTA tube (purple top). Mix the sample gently by inverting eight times immediately after collection, for proper mixing of blood with the EDTA. Samples are stable at room temperature for 24 hrs or 3 days if refrigerated.
Reference Range
Negative
Results Turnaround
1-2 days after sample collection.
Diseases / Diagnostic indicators
The Indirect Coombs Test helps detect antibodies that may lead to immune-mediated destruction of red blood cells.
A positive result suggests the presence of antibodies that could cause hemolytic transfusion reactions, hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), or autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
This test is essential in:
- Pregnancy: Detects Rh incompatibility between a mother and fetus, helping prevent HDN.
- Blood transfusion preparation: Identifies whether the recipient has antibodies against donor blood, reducing the risk of transfusion reactions.
- Autoimmune conditions: Helps diagnose certain autoimmune hemolytic anemias when the body creates antibodies against its own red blood cells.
A negative result usually means there are no detectable antibodies in the serum, and transfusion or pregnancy risks related to red cell antibodies are minimal.
For more on Indirect Coombs Testing, read this study.