The Antiglobulin Test: Technic and Practical Applications

Abstract

The technic for performing the antiglobulin (Coombs) test, as well as the prepn. and standardization of the reagent serum, is outlined. A new and more sensitive technic for performing the test is described. A simplified and better controlled standardization of the antiglobulin serum is presented. The clinical applications of the antiglobulin test are discussed in relation to the following subjects: diagnosis of hemolytic disease of the newborn, diagnosis of Rh-Hr sensitization in pregnancy, detection of sensitization from blood transfusion, diagnosis of idiopathic hemolytic anemia, detection of weakly reacting (Du) Rh factors in routine blood typing, detection of other blood factors such as Kell (K) and Duffy (Fya), and the evaluation of the efficiency of replacement transfusion. The occurrence of false positive results due to cold agglutinin sensitization is discussed and the method for avoiding such difficulty is given. The occurrence of a false negative result which may limit the value of the test is considered.