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Test Code Billings Clinic: 5929 DAT Polyspecific (Direct Coombs)

Performing Laboratory

Billings Clinic Laboratory: Blood Bank

Useful For

This test is of diagnostic value in hemolytic disease of the newborn, hemolytic anemia, autoimmune processes (either acquired or drug-related), and evaluation of possible transfusion reactions.

Methodology

Polyspecific, IgG and/or Complement - Tube Agglutination Method

Specimen Requirements

  • Draw a full, lavender-top (EDTA) tube
  • Send 9 mL of unprocessed EDTA whole blood refrigerated.
  • Do not centrifuge.
  • Forward unprocessed whole blood promptly.
  • If there is a delay in transport of ≥6 hours, spin down and send plasma and RBCs refrigerated.
  • Include report of diagnosis and history of transfusions and drug therapy.
  • If specimen being drawn may result in a transfusion, patient must be wearing an identification bracelet. A Typenex® (Fenwal) identification band must be completed and placed on patient’s left wrist at time of draw.
  • All specimens must be completely labeled in accordance with the American Association of Blood Banks’ (AABB) requirements.
  • If specimen is spun down, label appropriately (plasma) and send along with RBCs.

Reject Due To

  • Specimen received in serum gel tube
  • Specimen received in plasma gel tube

Reference Values

Negative

Day(s) Test Set Up

Daily

Test Classification and CPT Coding

86860 - Antibody elution (RBC), each elution

86880 - Antihuman globulin test (Coombs test); direct, each antiserum

Profile/Testing Information

Reflex Information:

If positive, this test will reflex to elution which is only offered as a reflex test to a positive Coombs direct and is not otherwise available.