Indirect coombs test & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is an indirect coombs test?

The Coombs test is done to find antibodies in your body that damage red blood cells, a very dangerous condition. Antibodies are produced by the immune system and appear when the body is in the following conditions:

• Response to blood transfusions. The red blood cells in the human body have natural inhibiting substances. If you receive red blood cells from red blood cells in another group you don't match with, your immune system will produce antibodies that can damage the red blood cell transfusion process. This is called a transfusion reaction and can cause serious illness and even death
• Blood rhesus incompatibility. If the mother has rhesus -, the baby has rhesus +, then there will be a blood group mismatch. When a baby is born when the rhesus blood is mixed, the mother's body will produce antibodies against Rh +. During the next pregnancy process, if the baby also has blood rhesus +, the baby's red blood cells will be damaged by antibodies produced by the mother's body. This can cause the baby to die in the womb or to miscarry
• In the case of immune hemolytic anemia, the human body naturally produces antibodies to fight erythrocytes

When should I have an indirect coombs test?

Unlike the direct (direct) coombs test which is performed on erythrocytes, this indirect test is performed on body serum.

Red blood cells donated in a serum. The next step Coombs serum is added. If antibodies are present in the patient's serum, agglutination will occur.

When examining a blood transfusion, if agglutination is found, it means that the recipient has antibodies against the donor's red blood cells. If the recipient does not have antibodies, there will be no agglutination, then blood can be transfused properly without any reaction.

Circulating erythrocyte antibodies in serum can also occur in pregnant women with rhesus -, but the fetus has rhesus +.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before taking an indirect coombs test?

The following factors can cause false test results (falsify):

• Drugs such as antithytmics, antituberculin, cephalosporins, chlorpromazine, insuline, lelevodopa, methyldopa, penicillin, phenytoin, quidine, sulfonamides, and tertacycline
• Have had a blood transfusion
• Pregnant for 3 months

If you have this condition, tell your doctor for specific instructions.

You should wear short-sleeved clothing to make it easier for the nurse to collect your blood sample.

You must understand the warnings and precautions before taking this test. If you have any questions, please consult a doctor for more detailed information and instructions.

Process

What should I do before undergoing an indirect coombs test?

The doctor will explain the procedure for carrying out the test to you. Since this test is a blood test, you do not need to make any preparations. You don't need to fast before the test.

It is recommended that you wear a short shirt to make blood sampling easier.

How is the Indirect Coombs test process?

The medical personnel in charge of drawing your blood will take the following steps:

• Wrap an elastic belt around your upper arm to stop blood flow. This makes the blood vessel under the bundle enlarge making it easier to insert the needle into the vessel
• Clean the area to be injected with alcohol
• Inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be required.
• Attach the tube to the syringe to fill it with blood
• Unbundle your arm when enough blood is drawn
• Attaching gauze or cotton to the injection site, after the injection is complete
• Apply pressure to the area and then put a bandage on

What should I do after undergoing an indirect coombs test?

The doctor or nurse will draw your blood. The pain you feel usually depends on the skills of the nurse, the condition of your veins, and your sensitivity.

After the blood is drawn, you should bandage and gently press the injection site. You can do your normal activities again after the test.

If you have any questions about the test process, please ask your doctor for more information.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do my test results mean?

Normal result:

• Negative
• Red blood cells do not accumulate

Abnormal results:

• Cross-incompatible response (failed transfusion)
• Rh antibodies appear in pregnant women
• Hemolytic in newborns
• The presence of antibody agglutination factors

Please consult your doctor about the test results.