Coombs Test, Indirect Antiglobulin Test (IAT)

This test measures the presence of antibodies in your blood that may attack your own red blood cells.

• Diagnose autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, where your immune system mistakenly attacks your red blood cells.
• Diagnose and monitor haemolytic disease of the newborn, a condition where a mother's antibodies attack her baby's red blood cells during pregnancy.
• Determine the cause of anaemia or jaundice.
• The Coombs test is commonly used before blood transfusions to identify antibodies in the recipient's serum that could react with donor RBCs. This helps prevent transfusion reactions, such as hemolytic transfusion reactions.

This test may be recommended if you have:

• Symptoms of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia such as fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath
• A history of haemolytic disease of the newborn or a positive antibody screen during pregnancy
• Unexplained anaemia or jaundice
• A family history of these conditions

If the results of the Coombs test are abnormal, it may indicate:

• The presence of antibodies attacking your red blood cells due to autoimmune haemolytic anaemia or another condition.
• The risk of complications during pregnancy due to haemolytic disease of the newborn.

Discuss your results with your doctor for a proper diagnosis and further evaluation.

• A sample of your blood will be drawn by a healthcare professional.
• The sample will be sent to the laboratory for testing.

• There are no specific preparations required.
• Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, as certain drugs can interfere with the test results.
• Provide your clinical history and clinician contact details to ensure accurate interpretation of the test.

• Hemoglobin level test: This measures the levels of hemoglobin in your blood and helps in the diagnosis and monitoring of anaemia.
• Reticulocyte count: This test measures the number of young red blood cells in your blood and helps in diagnosing conditions causing increased red blood cell destruction.

Indirect Antiglobulin Test (IAT)

Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia is a condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys your own red blood cells. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, and jaundice. Treatment aims to suppress the immune system and manage symptoms.