Direct Coombs Test (DCT), Whole Blood EDTA Test

Direct Coombs Test (DCT) Test

Humans survive on blood. Without blood, there will be a lack of potential oxygen and nutrients in the organs. Survival would become problematic as it will lead to failed maintenance of body temperature, lowered immunity, and digestion issues. Without blood, the body will become extremely weak, and there are chances that the person might collapse. The role of blood in the body is to circulate oxygen and nutrients to different parts and help all the organs and bodily systems to work properly. Blood's job is to carry carbon dioxide and other waste materials to organs like the kidney, lungs, and digestive system for removal from the body and to carry hormones around the body. 

What are Red Blood Cells? 

Red blood cells or red cells are one of the most common components of blood that have oxygen from the lungs to different parts of the body. A low red blood cell count can give birth to many health problems, and anemia tops the list. Anemia is when a person lacks healthy red blood cells to bring oxygen to the body's tissues. Anemic or people with low hemoglobin experience problems like extreme lethargy, tiredness, and weakness. In such situations, healthcare providers recommend patients get their dat coombs tests  done. 

Dat coombs test or antiglobulin test is an immunology laboratory process that helps detect the availability of antibodies against circulating red blood cells (RBCs) in the body, which further makes hemolysis. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is when antibodies destroy these red blood cells. The coombs' test is performed to detect antibodies that work against the surface of the red cells. People with AIHA may suffer from weakness, faintness, fevers, and a yellowed complexion. Treatment for AIHA disease involves high doses of steroids. 

Types of Coombs test 

The Coombs test is of two types: the direct Coombs test and the indirect Coombs test.

The direct coombs test — direct antiglobulin test (DAT) — is a common test that examines antibodies attached to the surface of the red cells. The component that medical experts use in the coombs test makes the red blood cells with attached antibodies form a cluster.

The indirect test — indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) — is a test that examines antibodies available in the serum, which is known as the fluid part of the blood. The red blood cells are separated from the sample for this procedure, and foreign red cells that attract antibodies are presented. If the reagent makes these new cells form a cluster, it means antibodies are present in the serum.

If you are experiencing extreme fatigue, tiredness, or dizziness, book your direct antiglobulin test  for home sample collection. 

Why do I need a direct coombs test? 

The dat coombs test examines the blood to check for specific antibodies. Antibodies are proteins the immune system induces when it analyses that something is wrong with your health.

These antibodies will terminate the destructive intruder. When the immune system fails in detection, the antibodies begin to work toward the body's cells. Such situations can cause serious health issues. 

The coombs test will help the healthcare provider ascertain if antibodies in the bloodstream make the immune system attack and destroy the red blood cells. 

Symptoms for dat direct antiglobulin test

Symptoms or indications for direct coombs test are 

• Recurrent infections 
• Fatigue
• Fever 
• Light-headedness
• Inability to perform physical activity 
• Yellowish skin 
• Confusion

If you experience any of these problems, get your dat direct antiglobulin test  done.

Test Details

Benefits of choosing Redcliffe Labs for Direct Coombs Test

• State-of-the-art infrastructure 
• Knowledge, skills, and expertise of laboratory staff
• Accuracy of test results 
• NABL approved 
• Online appointment facility