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Interpretive Handbook

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Test 8956:
Antibody Screen, Erythrocytes

Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

Transfusion and pregnancy are the primary means of sensitization to red cell antigens.

 

In a given population, 2% to 4% of the general population possess irregular red cell alloantibodies.  Such antibodies may cause hemolytic disease of the newborn or hemolysis of transfused donor red blood cells.

 

Autoantibodies react against the patient's own red cells as well as the majority of cells tested.  Autoantibodies can be clinically benign or can hemolyze the patient's own red blood cells, such as in cold agglutinin disease or autoimmune hemoyltic anemia.

Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Detection of allo- or autoantibodies directed against red blood cell antigens in the settings of pretransfusion testing

 

Evaluation of transfusion reactions

 

Evaluation of hemolytic anemia

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

A positive result (antibody detected) necessitates antibody identification to establish the specificity and clinical significance of the antibody detected.

 

Negative–no antibody detected.

Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

Clinical evaluation of antibodies identified is necessary to determine their potential for harm to the patient at this time and to assess appropriate action to be taken in the future.

Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

Negative

If positive, antibody identification will be performed.

Clinical References Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature

Technical Manual. 14th edition. Edited by RH Walker. Bethesda, MD, American Association of Blood Banks, 2002, pp 379-418