Coombs (Direct Antiglobulin Test)
Private Coombs Direct Antiglobulin Test in London for £84.99, assessing one immune red-cell marker with results expected in around 4 days.
Turnaround time
4 business days
Biomarkers count
1
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Overview of the Coombs (Direct Antiglobulin Test)
The Coombs (Direct Antiglobulin Test), also called the Direct Antiglobulin Test or DAT, detects antibodies and/or complement proteins attached directly to circulating red blood cells.
The test contains 1 biomarker: Coombs (Direct Antiglobulin Test).
Under normal circumstances, red blood cells circulate without significant immune coating.
In immune-mediated haemolysis, antibodies or complement can bind to red-cell surfaces and contribute to premature destruction.
The Direct Coombs test can therefore provide important evidence that anaemia or haemolysis has an immune-mediated component.
It is used during assessment of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, selected transfusion reactions, drug-induced haemolysis and haemolytic disease involving maternal antibodies.
A positive DAT does not automatically mean that active haemolysis is occurring.
Some people can have red cells coated with antibodies or complement without clinically significant destruction.
The result should therefore be interpreted alongside Haemoglobin, Reticulocytes, Bilirubin, Haptoglobin, LDH and other haematology findings.
What Does the Coombs (Direct Antiglobulin Test) Test Check?
This test measures 1 biomarker.
Coombs (Direct Antiglobulin Test)
Detects antibodies and/or complement attached directly to circulating red blood cells, supporting investigation of immune-mediated haemolysis.
Who May Benefit From the Coombs (Direct Antiglobulin Test) Test?
DAT testing is most useful when immune destruction of red blood cells is suspected.
People with unexplained haemolytic anaemia - DAT can help establish whether red-cell destruction has an immune component.
People with a sudden unexplained fall in Haemoglobin - Immune-mediated haemolysis may be one of several possibilities.
People with jaundice and evidence of red-cell breakdown - Bilirubin elevation and anaemia may prompt haemolysis investigation.
People following a suspected transfusion reaction - DAT can help assess whether red cells have become coated with antibodies.
People with suspected autoimmune haemolytic anaemia - DAT is an important investigation.
People taking medicines associated with immune haemolysis - Selected medicines can trigger antibody-mediated red-cell destruction.
Newborns undergoing immune-haemolysis assessment - Maternal antibodies can sometimes coat neonatal red cells.
People specifically referred for a Direct Antiglobulin Test - Testing can be arranged when requested by a haematology or transfusion specialist.
How to Prepare
Do not stop prescribed medication without medical advice simply because drug-induced haemolysis is being considered.
Where haemolysis is severe or Haemoglobin is falling rapidly, prompt clinical assessment is required.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Coombs (Direct Antiglobulin Test) Test
Symptoms are usually related to anaemia or red-cell destruction, rather than the positive DAT itself.
Persistent fatigue or weakness - Reduced Haemoglobin can decrease oxygen delivery to tissues.
Shortness of breath on exertion - Anaemia can reduce exercise tolerance.
Pale skin - Pallor can occur when Haemoglobin is significantly reduced.
Jaundice - Increased red-cell destruction can raise Bilirubin and cause yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Dark urine - Haemoglobin or increased bilirubin-related pigments can accompany haemolysis.
Rapid heartbeat - The cardiovascular system may compensate for significant anaemia by increasing heart rate.
A rapid unexplained drop in Haemoglobin - This can prompt investigation for haemolysis.
Symptoms following a blood transfusion - Fever, jaundice, pain or falling Haemoglobin after transfusion requires appropriate clinical assessment.
These symptoms are not specific to immune haemolysis.
Rapidly worsening anaemia, severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting or a significant suspected transfusion reaction requires urgent medical assessment.
How to Book Your Coombs (Direct Antiglobulin Test) Test
Booking your Direct Coombs test with London Blood Tests is straightforward.
Choose the Coombs (Direct Antiglobulin Test)
Select the individual DAT blood test.
Select your sample collection option
Choose an in-clinic blood draw or professional home or hotel phlebotomy where appropriate.
Attend your appointment
A trained healthcare professional collects the required blood sample.
Laboratory analysis
Your red cells are tested for attached antibodies and/or complement.
Receive your results securely
Your authorised DAT result is delivered securely.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The current expected turnaround is approximately 4 days after laboratory receipt.
Understanding Your Results
A negative DAT means significant antibody or complement coating was not detected by the test.
This makes many forms of immune-mediated haemolysis less likely but does not exclude every possible mechanism.
A positive DAT means antibodies and/or complement are attached to red blood cells.
Possible contexts include autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, transfusion reactions, drug-related haemolysis and neonatal immune haemolysis.
A positive result does not prove that red-cell destruction is currently occurring.
Evidence of haemolysis should be assessed using complementary blood markers and the clinical picture.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
Private Direct Coombs testing in London - Access specialist red-cell immunohaematology testing.
Relevant to autoimmune haemolysis - DAT can provide key supporting evidence.
Useful after suspected transfusion reactions - Testing can contribute to a broader transfusion investigation.
Specialist laboratory analysis - Samples undergo professional antiglobulin testing.
Useful alongside haemolysis markers - DAT can complement FBC, Bilirubin and Haptoglobin.
Clinic and home collection options - Professional phlebotomy can be arranged where suitable.
Secure reporting - Receive your authorised result securely.
Clear pricing - The Direct Antiglobulin Test costs £84.99.
Private Coombs (Direct Antiglobulin Test) Blood Test in London
London Blood Tests provides private Direct Coombs testing in London for people requiring investigation of immune coating of red blood cells.
The test costs £84.99 and measures one biomarker: Coombs (Direct Antiglobulin Test).
Results are expected approximately 4 days after laboratory receipt.