Coombs Test Indirect, Serum

The Indirect Coombs test (ICT) is performed to detect the presence of Rh antibodies or other antibodies in serum in conditions like - an Rh negative woman (married to Rh positive husband) who has developed anti Rh antibodies, anti D may be produced in the blood of any Rh negative person by exposure to D antigen by the following - transfusion of Rh positive blood, pregnancy, if the infant is Rh positive and after abortion of Rh positive fetus. The Indirect Coombs test which is also known as the indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) is used as a routine test in pregnant women and prior to a blood transfusion. It detects the free antibodies against RBCs that are present in the serum. This is interpreted by the presence or absence of agglutination (which indicate antigen-antibody reaction). The clinical uses of indirect Coombs test are û blood transfusion preparation (antibody screening, cross matching), antenatal antibody screening.

1. Can a person develop antibodies after blood donation?

No, a person will not be exposed to any antibodies after a blood donation.

2. If a mother has an incompatibility with one pregnancy, will she have them with other pregnancies as well?

No, not necessarily. It depends on the blood group of the fetus in the future pregnancies.

3. What is a Coombs test ?

There are two types of coombs test - direct and indirect. The Direct Coombs test (DCT) is performed to detect anti- D antibodies or other antibodies attached to the red cell surface within the blood stream. This occurs in the following conditions like Rh incompatibility, infections, autoimmune diseases, drug induced, transfusion reactions, certain malignancies etc.

The indirect Coombs test is performed to detect the presence of Rh antibodies or other antibodies in the patient’s serum in the following cases - to check whether an Rh negative woman (married to Rh positive husband) has developed anti Rh antibodies, Anti D may be produced in the blood of any Rh negative person by exposure to D antigen by the following - transfusion of Rh positive blood, pregnancy, if the infant is Rh positive and after abortion of Rh positive fetus.