Coombs

Coombs test is a medical test used to detect certain antibodies that can cause hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells). There are two types of Coombs tests: the direct Coombs test and the indirect Coombs test.

Direct Coombs test[edit | edit source]

The direct Coombs test is used to detect antibodies that are attached to the surface of red blood cells. These antibodies can sometimes cause autoimmune hemolytic anemia, a condition in which the immune system mistakenly destroys its own red blood cells.

Indirect Coombs test[edit | edit source]

The indirect Coombs test is used to detect antibodies that are present in the serum of a patient. This test is often used in blood transfusion medicine to determine if a patient has antibodies that could react with donor blood cells.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Coombs tests are used in a variety of clinical situations, including:

Diagnosing autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Testing for Rh factor in pregnant women
Screening for antibodies in people who are about to receive a blood transfusion

Procedure[edit | edit source]

The procedure for a Coombs test involves taking a blood sample from the patient. The blood is then mixed with a reagent that contains anti-human globulin. If the patient's blood cells clump together when mixed with the reagent, the test is positive.

Risks[edit | edit source]

As with any blood test, there are some risks associated with a Coombs test. These can include:

Bleeding or bruising at the site where the blood was drawn
Fainting or feeling lightheaded
Infection

See also[edit | edit source]

Coombs Resources
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