Determination of the titer of anti-erythrocyte antibodies in the indirect Coombs test in ID-cards
Indirect Coombs' test or indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) is required to detect antibodies to erythrocytes in serum.
So far Coombs' test is widely used in laboratory practice for immunopathological conditions diagnosis, in particular when there is suspicion for hemolytic disease of fetus and newborn (HDFN), autoimmune hemolytic anemias, described with erythrocytes destruction since cell membrane is bound with antibodies and (or) complement system.
The indirect Coombs' test remains the best method for the individual transfusion media selection since it is capable to determine the individual compatibility of the donor and recipient more accurately in terms of erythrocyte antigens.
Additional direct antiglobulin test for autoantibodies is advised when all recipient organs and tissues are examined in the pre-transplant period as for the recipients of hematopoietic stem cells after transplantation as well. In addition to immunohematology and transfusiology, antiglobulin tests are widely used for diagnosis of a number of pathological conditions: hematological diseases, including lympho proliferative diseases, in systemic diseases of connective tissue, Sjogren's disease, chronic active hepatitis, etc.