Test ID: BTITH
Isoagglutinin Titer, Anti-B, Serum
Useful For 
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
Evaluation of individuals with possible hypogammaglobulinemia
Investigation of suspected roundworm infections
Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Isoagglutinins are antibodies produced by an individual that cause agglutination of red blood cells in other individuals. People possess isoagglutinins directed toward the A or B antigen absent from their own RBCs. For example, type A or O individuals will usually possess anti-B. The anti-B is formed in response to exposure to B-like antigenic structures found in ubiquitous non-red cell biologic entities (eg, bacteria).
Isoagglutinins present in the newborn are passively acquired from maternal circulation. Such passively acquired isoagglutinins will gradually disappear, and the infant will begin to produce isoagglutinins at 3 to 6 months of age.
Isoagglutinin production may vary in patients with certain pathologic conditions. Decreased levels of isoagglutinins may be associated with acquired and congenital hypogammaglobulinemia and agammaglobulinemia.
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.
Interpretation depends on clinical setting.
Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results
The result is reported as antiglobulin phase, in general representing IgG antibody. The result is the reciprocal of the highest dilution up to 1:2048 at which macroscopic agglutination (1+) is observed. Dilutions >1:2048 are reported as >2048.
Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
Decreased isoagglutinin titers may be seen in normal elderly individuals and in children < or =12 months.
This test is not useful for individuals with blood type B or AB.
Clinical Reference Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature
Technical Manual. 15th edition. Arlington, VA, American Association of Blood Banks, 2005
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