Why is this procedure done?
This test is done to learn more about why your red blood cells are breaking down. Red blood cells are also known as RBCs. With some illnesses, your body attacks your RBCs and they die before new RBCs can be made. Your doctor may order a Coombs test to learn more about what is causing your RBCs to die. ‚
There are 2 kinds of Coombs tests, direct and indirect. The direct Coombs looks for ways that your body is attacking your own RBCs. The indirect Coombs looks for things in your blood that might attack your RBCs or even the RBCs you get from a blood transfusion. ‚
The doctor may order a Coombs test to: ‚
- Check for the cause of low RBC level
- Look for signs of a blood transfusion reaction
- Learn more about a pregnant woman or her newborn baby
- Find out how your body may react to a blood transfusion
- Go along with other blood tests
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What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test. The doctor may learn that you have signs of an illness that needs treatment.
- If the results are normal or negative, it means your body is likely working in a healthy way.
- If the results are not normal or positive, you may have a problem with your RBCs. Your doctor may order more tests to learn more about what is wrong.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- There are no special things to do before the test.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking
- If you have any bleeding problems
- Any other concerns
What happens during the procedure?
It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Put pressure with your other hand where the needle was. This will help with bruising and bleeding.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your RBCs. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/antiglobulin-direct/tab/glance ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/antiglobulin-indirect/tab/glance ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚