direct antiglobulin test


direct antiglobulin test

Direct Coombs test Immunology A test to detect immune hemolysis caused by binding of Ig and/or complement components to RBCs after sensitization to an antigen–eg Rh factor–on the RBC surface; a DAT helps differentiate autoimmune and 2º immune hemolytic anemia, which can be drug-induced or associated with underlying disease such as lymphoma. See Indirect antiglobulin test.

direct antiglobulin test

Abbreviation: DAT
A laboratory test for the presence of complement or an antibody that is bound to a patient's red blood cells (RBCs). The test is used in patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia, hemolytic disease of the newborn, and transfusion reactions. After the patient's RBCs are washed to remove unbound antibodies, they are mixed with antihuman globulin serum containing polyvalent antibodies that bind with the antibody or complement on the RBCs and cause them to agglutinate (clump). Monoclonal antibodies can be used to identify the specific class of antibody or complement component causing RBC destruction. See: Coombs' testSee also: antiglobulin test