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Coombs Test, Indirect Antiglobulin Test (IAT)
Overview
The Coombs test is a laboratory test for the presence of antibodies that bind to and agglutinate red blood cells in the blood serum. The antibodies target red blood cells and cause them to be destroyed or agglutinated. The test is named after the discoverer, Dr Robin Coombs. The Coombs test is of two types : Direct Coomb’s test and Indirect Coomb’s test. Indirect Coomb’s test can also be referred to as the Indirect Antiglobulin Test (IAT). Red blood cell (RBC) agglutination is the process by which red blood cells are broken down by the immune system.
When red blood cells are agglutinated, the immune system attacks and destroys them. This can lead to Haemolytic Anaemia or Haemolytic Disease in newborns or other conditions that destroy red blood cells. These conditions cause anaemia or complications in the foetus and pose serious health risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Coombs test measures the presence of antibodies that target red blood cells. It helps diagnose autoimmune hemolytic anemia, transfusion reactions, and hemolytic disease of the newborn by detecting free floating antibodies in the plasma which target the red blood cells.
The Coombs test is performed to diagnose conditions such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia, hemolytic disease of the newborn, and transfusion reactions by detecting free antibodies which attack the red blood cells, aiding in accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
The Coombs test is recommended for individuals suspected of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, hemolytic disease of the newborn, or experiencing transfusion reactions. It's also used in prenatal care for Rh incompatibility assessment and in certain autoimmune diseases.
Abnormal results from the Coombs test may indicate autoimmune hemolytic anemia, hemolytic disease of the newborn, or transfusion reactions. Further evaluation and treatment are typically guided by the specific underlying condition identified through the test results.
During the Coombs test, a blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in the arm. The sample undergoes analysis in a laboratory to detect the presence of antibodies attached to red blood cells, aiding in the diagnosis of various hemolytic disorders.
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