Antibody Identification, Blood and Serum
Use
This test is useful for assessing positive pretransfusion antibody screens, transfusion reactions, hemolytic disease of the newborn, and autoimmune hemolytic anemias. Identifying the antibody specificity is crucial to determine its capability of causing clinical harm and, if necessary, to avoid the antigen in transfused RBCs. Autoantibodies can react against the patient's own RBCs and may result in conditions like cold agglutinin disease or autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
Special Instructions
Specimen must arrive within 72 hours of collection. Include both blood and serum. Follow reflex testing guidelines for additional tests like direct antiglobulin testing and special red cell antigen typing. Additional antibody titrations may be performed if antibodies are detected in pregnant patients.
Limitations
The test is not useful for monitoring efficacy of Rh-immune globulin administration or for identifying antibodies detected only at 4°C or after extended room temperature incubation. Recent administration of Rh-immune globulin may result in anti-D appearing falsely as an alloantibody. Gross hemolysis is not acceptable.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 888-8
- 888-8
Result Turnaround Time
1-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
3 mL
Minimum Volume
6 mL in EDTA; Pediatric: 2 mL Serum
Container
6-mL Pink-top (EDTA); Submission: Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot plasma into a plastic vial. Label specimen as EDTA plasma or EDTA RBCs as appropriate. Send both tubes.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 4 days |
| Refrigerated | 4 days |