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Test Code 057 Direct Antiglobulin Test

Important Note

Inform the laboratory blood bank of the patient's transfusion and drug history of the past year, especially in regard to blood pressure medication, diuretics and antibiotics.

Additional Codes

ALAB: DAT

PowerChart: Direct Coombs (DAT)

MA Cerner: Direct Antiglobulin Test.

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

The only acceptable specimens are: Red blood cells collected in EDTA or Cord Blood collected in EDTA, clot tubes, or tubes with no additive.  A capillary or micro sample may be collected in an EDTA microtainer. Serum/Plasma gel tubes are NOT acceptable.

Performance

Testing is performed Monday through Sunday. (MA West: Monday through Friday.)

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

Mercy DV and MA West within 24 hours

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

STAT: Typically completed within 30 minutes after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

Reference Values

Direct Antiglobulin Test:

  • IgG/C3D: Negative
  • If positive cells are retested using IgG antiserum.

CPT Code Information

86880 Direct Antiglobulin Test

Useful For

Detecting possible ABO or Rh(D) incompatibility with mother's blood.

Demonstrates in vivo coating of RBCs with IgG or the complement component C3d.

LOINC Code Information

1007-4 Direct Antiglobulin Test.Poly Specific Reagent [Presence] On Red Blood Cells