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Interpretive Handbook

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Test 8988:
Antibody Identification, Erythrocytes

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

After exposure to foreign red blood cells via transfusion or pregnancy, some people form antibodies which are capable of the destruction of transfused red cells or of fetal red cells in utero.  It is important to identify the antibody specificity in order to assess the antibody's capability of causing clinical harm and, if necessary, to avoid the antigen on transfused red blood cells.

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

Assessing positive pretransfusion antibody screens, transfusion reactions, hemolytic disease of the newborn, and autoimmune hemolytic anemias

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

Specificity of alloantibodies will be stated.

 

The patient's red blood cells will be typed for absence of the corresponding antigen(s) or as an aid to identification in complex cases.

 

A consultation service is offered, at no charge, regarding the clinical relevance of red cell antibodies.

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

Recent administration of Rh-immune globulin may cause anti-D to be identified and appear falsely as an alloantibody

 

Not useful for monitoring the efficacy of Rh-immune globulin administration

 

Not useful for identifying antibodies detected only at 4 degrees C or only after extended room temperature incubation

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, antibodies will be identified and corresponding special red cell antigen typing on patient's red blood cells will be performed. A consultation service is offered, at no charge, regarding the clinical relevance of red cell antibodies.

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

Technical Manual. Bethesda, MD, American Association of Blood Banks