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Interpretive Handbook

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Test 9000:
Antibody Titer, Erythrocytes

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

Some maternal IgG alloantibodies to red blood cell antigens will cross the placenta and cause hemolysis of antigen-positive fetal red cells.  The resulting fetal anemia and hyperbilirubinemia can be harmful or even fatal to the fetus or the newborn.

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

Monitoring antibody levels during pregnancy to help assess the risk of hemolytic disease of the newborn

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

The specificity of the maternal alloantibody will be stated.  The titer result is the reciprocal of the highest dilution at which macroscopic agglutination (1+) is observed.

 

If the antibody problem identified is not relevant in hemolytic disease of the newborn or if titrations are not helpful, the titer will be canceled and will be replaced by ABID2/8988 Antibody Identification, Erythrocytes.

 

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

Not useful for evaluating the efficacy of Rh-immune globulin after it has been administered

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, result will be reported as the reciprocal of the highest dilution at which macroscopic agglutination (1+) is observed.

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

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