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Test Code 056 Antibody Screen

Important Note

Inpatient and/or possible crossmatch patient: the phlebotomist must check the patient’s arm band and compare the patient ID number on the arm band to the patient ID number on the requisition to verify that they are the same. The phlebotomist must write on the tube (preferred) or requisition the date and time of collection, their initials and the patient ID number as transcribed from the patient arm band.

 

Additional Codes

ALAB: ABSCRN

PowerChart: Antibody Screen RBC

MA Cerner: Antibody Screen.

Test Method

AABB Standard: Agglutination of red cells with an antiserum represents the presence of the corresponding antigen in the red cells; Ortho Gel Cards. (AABB Technical manual. 14th edition. Edited by V Vengelen-Tyler. Bethesda, MD, American Association of Blood Banks 2002)

 

Specimen Requirement

A 5 mL EDTA purple-top tube is preferred. Specimens may be held at room temperature for up to 24 hour and 3 days when refrigerated.

Additional Specimen Collection Information

7 mL red-top, 5 mL heparin green-top or 5 mL blue-top tubes are also acceptable. Serum and plasma gel tubes are not acceptable.

Performance

Testing is performed Monday through Sunday.
Mercy DV: Typically completed within 24 hours.

Routine: Typically completed within 4 hours after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

Expedite: Typically completed within 1 hour after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

STAT: Typically completed within 45 minutes after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

Reference Values

Negative

CPT Code Information

86850 Antibody Screen, RBC, each serum technique.

Useful For

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.

LOINC Code Information

14575-5 Blood Group Antibody Investigation [Interpretation] In Plasma Or RBC

Testing Algorithm

If the antibody screen is positive, then antibody identification will be performed.

The following tests may also be ordered and performed as part of antibody identification: monospecific direct Coombs, special red cell antigen typing, antibody elution, and antibody absorption.

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