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Dr. SpurtiLast Updated on 21st January 2022

What is the Direct Coombs Test used for?What is included in the Direct Coombs Test?Procedure for Direct Coombs Test How to prepare for Direct Coombs Test?What types of infection can Direct Coombs Test detect?How much does a Direct Coombs Test cost?How long does it take to get the results for the Direct Coombs Test?What do abnormal Direct Coombs Test results indicate?Is the Direct Coombs Test a definitive test?Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

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What is the Direct Coombs Test used for?

Certain antibodies that target red blood cells are found using Coombs testing. The immune system produces antibodies, which are proteins. Antibodies normally bind to foreign things, such as bacteria and viruses, and kill them. A Direct Coombs Test, also known as a DAT, can help you figure out why you’re not feeling well or have symptoms that point to a problem with your blood.

If the donor’s blood isn’t a good match, you can feel unwell following a blood transfusion. Even though those other blood cells are supposed to aid, your body may perceive them as alien and produce antibodies to get rid of them. Antibodies kill your own red blood cells faster than your body can produce them, resulting in autoimmune hemolytic anaemia. You can obtain it as a result of:

Diseases like leukaemia and lupus
Infections such as mononucleosis
Medicines, including penicillin

What is included in the Direct Coombs Test?

Antibodies that are attached to the surface of red blood cells are detected using the Direct Coombs Test. This can be caused by a variety of conditions and medications. Antibodies can sometimes kill red blood cells, resulting in anaemia. If you have indications or symptoms of anaemia or jaundice, your doctor may order this test (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Procedure for Direct Coombs Test

A technician takes a tiny sample of blood from a vein in your hand or arm with a needle. You may have a little skin prick and some bleeding or bruising where the needle is inserted. The technician will next submit your blood sample to a lab for analysis. Direct and indirect tests can be used to check for the presence of antibodies in general or for a specific antibody.

Each packet of donated blood must be checked prior to a blood transfusion. Cross-matching is a type of IAT that may be performed prior to a blood transfusion. The lab combines your serum (which contains the antibodies) with the donor’s red blood cells.

Book a Direct Coombs Test to check your Direct Coombs Test level!

How to prepare for Direct Coombs Test?

There is no need for any prior preparation. Before heading to the laboratory or collection location, your doctor will ask you to drink the usual quantity of water. Before the test, you may need to stop taking certain drugs, but only if your doctor advises you to. Also, make sure that you inform your doctor about any underlying health condition that you may be suffering from or any medications that you are currently taking.

Things to consider after the Direct Coombs Test is complete

For the Direct Coombs Test, your blood sample will be sent to a preferred lab for testing, and it will be done by Lab Technician. There is no other thing to consider after this test unless your doctor tells you anything specific.

What types of infection can Direct Coombs Test detect?

The Coombs test searches for antibodies that may cling to your red blood cells, causing them to die prematurely. A multitude of diseases and drugs can cause this. Anaemia can be caused by antibodies that attack red blood cells. Your doctor may prescribe this test if you have signs or symptoms of anaemia or jaundice.

How much does a Direct Coombs Test cost?

The Direct Coombs Test is among the most standard blood tests that can help detect the antibodies which are formed against the red blood cells of the body. The cost of this test will vary based on your lab partner or location. But the lab or healthcare providers may charge approximately Rs 345 ($4.6) to Rs 390 ($5.2).

*Disclaimer: The value varies based on location, time, and your preferred lab partner.

How long does it take to get the results for the Direct Coombs Test?

You can expect to get the results for the Direct Coombs Test within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is collected. However, in certain cases, depending on the location, medical advice, and preferred lab partner, it may take longer.

What do abnormal Direct Coombs Test results indicate?

A negative test result indicates that antibodies are not linked to the red blood cells. A positive Direct Coombs Test indicates that antibodies are bound to your red blood cells, but it does not reveal which antibodies or why. You may require additional tests to get the proper diagnosis and therapy, regardless of the outcome of a Direct Coombs Test.

A positive Direct Coombs Test indicates that you have antibodies that attack your red blood cells. This might be as a result of:

Autoimmune hemolytic anaemia
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or a similar disorder
Blood disease in newborns called erythroblastosis fetalis (also called hemolytic disease of the newborn)
Infectious mononucleosis
Mycoplasma infection
Syphilis
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Transfusion reaction, such as one due to improperly matched units of blood

The test result might also be abnormal for no apparent reason, especially among middle-aged and older people.

Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor for interpreting the test reports.

Is the Direct Coombs Test a definitive test?

The test result is considered normal if it does not reveal any clusters of red blood cells. During the Direct Coombs Test, however, clustering of red blood cells shows the presence of antibodies on red blood cells, and the patient may have hemolysis. The Coombs test is still the gold standard for clinicians when it comes to presenting a definite diagnosis to patients with hemolytic anaemia. In many crucial situations, if done at the proper moment, it can save a person’s life.

How to read the Direct Coombs Test report

If the result is negative, it means that there is no clumping of red blood cells, and it means you have no antibodies against red blood cells. But if the result is positive, it indicates a clumping of the red blood cells, and this means you might have a condition that is causing destruction of the red blood cells by the immune system. However, for proper interpretation of the test results, it is recommended that you consult your doctor.

Book a Direct Coombs Test to check your Direct Coombs Test level!

Direct Coombs Test at home – how does it work?

The Direct Coombs Test is just like any other blood test. A lab technician visits your home when you book your tests through the MFine app. The lab technician first cleans the arm and then inserts a syringe into a vein. The required amount of blood is then taken into a vial. The lab technician then removes the needle and places cotton wool or a bandage over the prick.

Are there any risks involved with a Direct Coombs Test?

There is very little chance of having a problem with this test. When a blood sample is taken, a small bruise may form at the site. You may not feel anything from the needle when a blood sample is drawn. You can also feel a sting or squeeze. When the blood is collected, you may feel moderate pain or a mild pinching sensation. However, this is usually for a very short time and very slight.

What can affect the results of the Direct Coombs Test?

Insufficient antibody on RBCs, the temperature at which the test was done, an incorrect antigen-antibody ratio, and the elution of low-avidity antibodies from RBCs during washing are all possible causes of false-negative findings. Other factors that may affect the Direct Coombs Test result are:

Over centrifugation or contaminated reagents
Insufficient washing of the patient’s RBCs
If the test tubes were left to stand the following centrifugation or if the RBCs were left in suspension for an extended period before testing

Book a Direct Coombs Test to check your Direct Coombs Test level!

Why book a Direct Coombs Test?

Your doctor may recommend that you book this test to detect hemolytic anaemia.
The Coombs test will tell your doctor if your blood has antibodies that cause your immune system to attack and destroy your own red blood cells.
Hemolytic anaemia is a disorder that occurs when your red blood cells are damaged. This test may be performed on men and women of any age group to identify antibodies produced against red blood cells. If required, the doctor may also recommend this test for a kid or a newborn.

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Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

Is the lab technician coming for Direct Coombs Test sample collection vaccinated?

Yes. Our lab technicians are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety throughout the process by wearing a mask, gloves and frequently sanitizing themselves during the sample collection.

Does MFine provide the interpretation for the results along with the reports?

Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result along with the reports. You can also avail of a free medical consultation with a doctor to understand your reports accurately. The doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines, if required, based on the results.

How can I download my Direct Coombs Test report?

Log in to MFine
Go to your profile
Click on Attachment and Reports
Click on Lab Report
Download the report

Are there any discount offers running on the Direct Coombs Test?

Usually, you can avail up to a 50% discount on Direct Coombs Test through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.

How does this Direct Coombs Test work?

The Direct Coombs Test is used to detect antibodies that are stuck on the surface of red blood cells. Many diseases and drugs can cause this to happen. These antibodies sometimes destroy red blood cells and cause anaemia.

Under what circumstances can you perform the Direct Coombs Test?

The Direct Coombs Tests are mainly used clinically when immune-mediated hemolytic anaemia is suspected. A positive result may indicate that the immune mechanism is attacking the red blood cells of the patient. This mechanism may include autoimmunity, alloimmunity or drug-induced immune-mediated mechanism.

What will happen when the Direct Coombs Test is positive during pregnancy?

A positive test result indicates that your blood is incompatible with that of the donor, and you will be unable to receive blood from that individual. If a woman is pregnant or expecting to get pregnant and the Rh antibody titer test comes back positive, it suggests she has antibodies against Rh-positive blood (Rh sensitization).

Who can get the Direct Coombs Test done?

Men and women of any age group can get this test done to detect the antibodies that are formed against the red blood cells.

What is a Direct Coombs Test, and what does it tell us?

The Direct Coombs Test finds antibodies attached to your red blood cells. The antibodies may be those your body made because of disease or those you get in a blood transfusion. The Direct Coombs Test also may be done on a newborn baby with Rh-positive blood whose mother has Rh-negative blood.

Is the Direct Coombs Test capable of giving definitive results?

The Coombs test is still the gold standard for clinicians when it comes to presenting a definite diagnosis to patients with hemolytic anaemia. In many crucial situations, if done at the proper moment, it can save a person’s life.