Coombs Indirect

Coombs Indirect

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What's

Coombs Indirect

The Indirect Coombs Test is a medical test that checks your blood for antibodies that could potentially harm red blood cells. These antibodies might not naturally be in your body, but can get into your bloodstream through a blood transfusion or during pregnancy if your baby's blood type is different from yours. The test is named after Robin Coombs, a British scientist, who created it. It's an essential tool in prenatal care and preparing for blood transfusions, helping to prevent harmful reactions. In simple terms, the Indirect Coombs Test is like a safety check, making sure that your body won't mistakenly attack helpful red blood cells as if they were harmful invaders.

If Your Levels Are High

Elevated results could mean that your body has created antibodies that might react with red blood cells. This can happen for various reasons, such as having a blood transfusion in the past, being pregnant with a baby who has a different blood type, or taking certain medications like penicillin or cephalosporins that can trigger antibody production. It's also possible that a condition like an autoimmune disorder could be causing your body to make these antibodies. This doesn't mean your body is attacking its own cells right now, but it does show that there's a chance for such a reaction to happen.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high antibody levels may not be immediately noticeable, as this test primarily identifies potential for a reaction rather than an ongoing one. However, if your body begins to attack its own red blood cells, you might experience fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or a feeling of general weakness.

If Your Levels are Low

Low results might mean that your body isn't making many antibodies that could attack red blood cells. This could be due to various reasons, such as a weak immune system, taking certain medications like immunosuppressants, or not being exposed to foreign substances that would trigger antibody production. It could also be linked to specific health conditions that affect your immune system's ability to make antibodies, like genetic disorders or chronic illnesses. Keep in mind that having low levels doesn't always mean there's an issue, as antibody levels can be different for each person.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low antibody levels may not be easily noticeable, as they are often related to the underlying conditions causing the decreased antibody production. These could include frequent infections, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss. However, some individuals with below standard levels may not experience any symptoms at all.

See References

Test for

Obstetric Panel

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Whole Blood

Serum

This panel includes tests used for routine prenatal care during early pregnancy.

Antibody Screen

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Whole Blood

The Indirect Coombs Antibody Screen detects antibodies that are present in the bloodstream and could bind to certain red blood cells, leading to problems if blood mixing occurs.

Antibody Screen

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Whole Blood

The Indirect Coombs Antibody Screen detects antibodies that are present in the bloodstream and could bind to certain red blood cells, leading to problems if blood mixing occurs.

CONTENTS

What is it?

High Levels

Low Levels

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