Coombs Test To Detect Antibodies Against Circulating RBCs

The Coombs test is a blood test used to check for antibodies that may harm red blood cells, helping doctors diagnose conditions like anemia and ensure safe blood transfusions.

 

Coombs Test

Here are the basic details of the Coombs Test.

Also Known As	Coombs Antibodies Test
Type	Blood Test
Purpose	Detect antibodies harming red blood cells
Sample Type	Serum
Preparation	No
Fasting	No
Gender	Unisex
Age Group	All
Normal Value	Negative
Reporting Time	within 24 hours
Cost	150-800 INR*

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

 

Coombs Test Means

Coombs Test detects antibodies attacking red blood cells, aiding in diagnosing anemia, autoimmune disorders, and transfusion compatibility.

• Checks for harmful antibodies in the blood, crucial for identifying conditions causing red blood cell destruction.
• Determines immune system-related issues by assessing antibodies attached to red blood cells or in the serum.
• Used in prenatal screening, transfusion compatibility, and diagnosing conditions like hemolytic anemia and erythroblastosis fetalis.
• Aims to ensure safe blood transfusions, diagnose diseases, and assess blood disorders, particularly those affecting red blood cells.

Coombs Test Purpose

The purpose of the Coombs Test is to:

• Detects harmful antibodies in blood (Coombs Test).
• Identifies autoimmune disorders affecting red blood cells.
• Screens for transfusion compatibility.
• Helps diagnose hemolytic anemia.
• Aids in managing erythroblastosis fetalis.

 

Coombs Test Preparation

Here is the basic preparation for the Coombs Test.

 

Before Test

• No fasting or dietary restrictions.
• Continue medications unless advised otherwise.
• Dress comfortably for easy blood draw.

 

During Test

• Blood drawn from a vein with a needle.
• Mild discomfort or pinching during needle insertion.
• Throbbing sensation after needle removal.

 

After Test

• Pressure applied to the puncture site.
• A bandage placed over the site.
• Avoid heavy lifting with the tested arm.

 

Coombs Test Procedure

Here is the basic Coombs Test Procedure.

• Blood sample collected from a vein.
• Blood mixed with reagents to detect antibodies.
• Clumping indicates positive result.
• Results reported within a few days.

 

Coombs Test Result

• Negative result: No harmful antibodies detected.
• Positive result (Direct Coombs): Antibodies on red blood cells.
• Positive result (Indirect Coombs): Antibodies in serum.

 

Coombs Test Report

Direct Coombs Report

Indirect Coombs Report

Direct Coombs Test Report PDF

Indirect Coombs Test Report PDF

 

Coombs Test Positive Report

Coombs Positive Test Report PDF Format

Coombs Test Positive Result Report PDF

 

Coombs Test Negative Report

Coombs Negative Test Report PDF Format

Coombs Test Negative Result Report PDF

 

Coombs Test Normal Result

Here is the normal result of the Coombs Test.

Test	Normal Value
Coombs Test	Negative

 

Coombs Test Interpretation

Here is the Interpretation of the Coombs Test.

Coombs Test Result	Interpretation
Negative	No harmful antibodies detected.
Positive (Direct)	Antibodies found on red blood cells.
Positive (Indirect)	Antibodies detected in serum.

Coombs Test interprets whether harmful antibodies are present in the blood, impacting red blood cells.

 

Coombs Test Positive

Here are some possible causes of positive Coombs Test.

Possible Causes	Effects
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia	Antibodies attack red blood cells in adults.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia	Antibodies target red blood cells in adults.
A transfusion of incompatible blood	Immune response against donor blood cells.
Erythroblastosis fetalis	Mother's antibodies attack fetal red blood cells during pregnancy.
Sensitization in pregnant mothers	Antibodies developed by the mother may affect the baby's red blood cells.

A positive Coombs test indicates antibodies targeting red blood cells, caused by various factors, with different treatments.

 

Coombs Test Negative

Here are some possible causes of negative Coombs Test.

Possible Causes	Effects
Antibodies not attached to red blood cells	Symptoms likely due to another cause.
Fetus not in danger from Rh incompatibility	No immediate risk to the fetus.
Mother has not developed antibodies against fetal blood	No maternal antibodies against fetal blood.
Coombs-negative hemolytic anemia	Evidence of hemolysis without Coombs test.
Blood screening before a procedure	Used to screen blood before medical tasks.

A negative Coombs test suggests no antibodies attacking red blood cells, with various implications.

 

Specimen Requirements For Coombs Test

Here are the specimen requirements for the Coombs Test.

Specimen	Serum
Volume	1 ml
Container	Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube
Collection	Separate serum from cells within one hour of collection. Transfer to a plastic transport tube before shipping.
Storage	Refrigerate or freeze.
Sample Stability	Temperature	Period
	Room temperature	7 day
	Refrigerated	14 days
	Frozen	60 days
	Freeze/thaw cycles	Stable x1
Causes for Rejection	Grossly hemolyzed; bacterial contamination; lipemic specimen; icteric specimen; non-serum specimen types

 

Coombs Test is Safe?

Coombs Test generally safe and commonly performed.

• Minor discomfort during blood draw.
• Rare risks include lightheadedness, hematoma, or infection.
• Benefits outweigh potential risks for diagnostic purposes.

 

When Do You Get Coombs Test Results? 

• Coombs test results are typically available within 1-2 days.
• Reporting time may vary depending on the lab and location.
• Some urgent cases may have quicker turnaround times.

 

Coombs Test Limitation

Here is the basic limitation of Coombs Test.

• May not pinpoint the underlying cause of antibody presence.
• Cannot identify all potential sources of hemolysis.
• False negatives and false positives can occur.
• Results may require further tests for a complete diagnosis.

 

Coombs Test Risk Factors

Here are some of the risk factors of the Coombs Test.

• Minimal risk associated with Coombs test.
• Potential discomfort or mild pain during blood draw.
• Rare risks include lightheadedness, hematoma, or infection.
• Risks are generally outweighed by diagnostic benefits.

 

Doctor Recommendations After Coombs Test Result

 Here are the Doctor's recommendations or consult a specialist after the Coombs Test.

Coombs Test Result	Doctor to Visit	Reason
Positive	Hematologist	Hemolytic anemia or related issue.
Negative	Further Evaluation	Explore alternative diagnoses.

Coombs Test Price

Here are the estimated Coombs Test Prices in India with different top cities:

City	Price Range (INR)*
Mumbai	300-600
New Delhi	450-800
Bangalore	500-700
Hyderabad	450-600
Kolkata	350-500
Pune	200-600
Lucknow	150-800
Noida	350-600
Surat	150-800
Gurugram	150-800
Patna	500-800
Chennai	450-600
Jaipur	300-500
Ahmedabad	400-500

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

 

Summary

Overall, The Coombs Test, a blood test, identifies harmful antibodies affecting red blood cells. Results guide diagnosis and treatment for various conditions. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholars and medical students.

 

Reference

• Coombs Test - Wikipedia [1].
• Coombs Test - NIH [2].