Common "Direct Coombs Test" queries answered by top doctors | iCliniq

Direct Coombs Test

Direct Coombs test is an antiglobulin test that detects antibodies that are attached to the surface of the red blood cells. This procedure is used for testing autoimmune hemolytic anemia. In this procedure, the plasma and unbound antibodies are removed or washed out from the blood sample and incubated with Coombs reagent or anti-human globulin. In the case of a positive test, agglutination of the red cells indicates that the antibodies or complement proteins are bound to the red cells' surface, causing their destruction.

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My 9-day-old baby has high bilirubin levels. Please suggest.

Query: Hello doctor, Our baby boy was born 9 days ago. Mom and the infant, both have B plus blood group. His weight at the time of birth was 6.68 lbs. After five days, his bilirubin level was 13.06. Today, the bilirubin level was 15.36. Our doctor advised vitamin D3 oral dose for one year. What is your sug...  Read Full »


Dr. Deepak Patel

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your concerns. 1. Your child is now 9 days old. Since, both mother and child have same blood group, there are less chances of pathological hyperbilirubinemia. 2. On the 9th day of life, the bilirubin level of 15.36 does not require phototherapy ...  Read Full »

How does Coombs test diagnose cold-agglutinin-disease?

Query: Hello doctor, I am trying to understand how a Coombs test would be used to diagnose me for cold-agglutinin-disease. Can you please help explain in understandable terms what that would do? I am confused between direct and indirect tests.  Read Full »


Dr. Goswami Parth Rajendragiri

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I am trying to explain to you about the Coombs test. Basically, this test detects antibody-coated red blood cells. The direct Coombs test detects antibody coated on red blood cells. In cold agglutinin disease, the IgM antibody coat the red blood cells. So direct Coo...  Read Full »

What is the cause for recurrence of jaundice every three to four months?

Query: Hello doctor, My brother has jaundice, which comes after every three to four months. He feels very low and lazy, and his body becomes yellow. He also has a fever. We do not know why he gets sick every three months. The doctors say that the number of cells in his body that are getting destroyed are...  Read Full »


Dr. Srivastava, Sumit

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Thanks for your query. There are a number of causes of jaundice. Some of them are viral infections, (like hepatitis A, B, C, and E), certain medications, obstruction in the bile duct, and hemolytic anemia. Recurring jaundice is said when the level of bilirubin becomes no...  Read Full »

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