Coombs Test - Indirect

(ICT)

₹380~~₹475~~ 20% Off

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Duly Filled Coombs (Direct/Indirect) Form is mandatory.

Understanding Coombs Test - Indirect

What is Coombs Test - Indirect?

The Indirect Coombs Test (ICT) is also called as Indirect Antiglobulin Test. It is performed to identify the presence or absence of antibodies in blood that are directed against antigens found on red blood cells. ICT test is done at the time of donating blood, tissue, or organ, before receiving blood during the transfusion to determine the compatibility with donated blood, and during pregnancy to determine the risk of incompatibility between mother and fetus.By identifying incompatible antibodies, the indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) helps prevent potentially life-threatening hemolytic transfusion reactions. The Indirect Coombs Test is performed on the principle of the antigen-antibody reaction. It is used to detect very low concentrations of antibodies present in a patient’s sera. The ICT can also be used for compatibility testing, antibody identification, RBC phenotyping, and titration studies.

What is Coombs Test - Indirect used for?

The Indirect Coombs Test (ICT) is done:

Before receiving a blood transfusion or blood components transfusion to determine compatibility with donated blood ·
During pregnancy to determine the risk of incompatibility between the mother and fetus -
Detection of red cell antigens not detected by other techniques like K, Fy, JK etc.

Interpreting Coombs Test - Indirect results

Interpretations

Agglutination: Positive result, antibodies present

No agglutination: Negative result, antibodies absent

Result	Interpretation
Negative	No antibodies detected
Equivocal	Positive in undiluted serum up to 1:16 titre
Positive	Positive in titre of 1:32 or above Positive in increasing titre in subsequent tests

Antibodies are produced in the blood upon exposure to incompatible antigens as during a blood transfusion. Antibodies produced in the first incompatible transfusion produce severe reactions upon subsequent transfusions of the same blood type.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Coombs Test - Indirect

Frequently Asked Questions about Coombs Test - Indirect

Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

Q. What other tests can be prescribed by your doctor in case of abnormal Indirect Coombs test result?

Additional test that may be prescribed in case of abnormal Indirect Coombs Test result is Antibody Identification Test. It helps to determine which antibodies are present in the sample that are causing an incompatibility reaction.

Q. What else can the Indirect Coombs Test be used for?

The Indirect Coombs Test can also be used Indirect Coombs test can be used : · Before receiving a blood transfusion or blood components transfusion to determine compatibility with donated blood · During pregnancy to determine the risk of incompatibility between the mother and fetus - To detect red cell antigens not detected by other techniques like K, Fy, JK etc.

Q. What is the difference between Indirect and Direct Coombs Tests?

Both Indirect and Direct Coombs Test are performed to determine the presence of anti-human RBC antibodies directed against human RBC antigens found on the RBCs. The Indirect Coombs Test is performed to determine antibodies produced against incompatible RBCs obtained from outside the body (as during a blood transfusion or during pregnancy). Whereas, the Direct Coombs Test is performed to detect the presence of antibodies directed against the patient’s own RBCs, which occurs during autoimmune diseases. Also, antibodies detected by the Indirect Coombs Test are present in the serum, while those detected by the Direct Coombs Test are attached to the surface of the RBCs. The Direct Coombs Test is performed to confirm if hemolytic anemia is being caused due to autoimmune disorder. The Indirect Coombs Test is performed primarily to determine compatibility of blood transfusion, or to check for Rh compatibility between a pregnant woman and her child before or during pregnancy.

Q. What is HDFN?

Hemolytic Disease of Fetus and Newborn or HDFN is a condition where the blood type of the fetus is incompatible with the blood type of the mother. The most severe reactions typically occur due to Rh incompatibility, where antibodies are produced in the Rh negative mother against Rh positive fetus. These antibodies cross the placenta and react with the RBC of the fetus, causing HDFN.

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