The direct antiglobulin test: A critical step in the evaluation of hemolysis

Nicole D. Zantek, Scott A. Koepsell, Daryl R. Tharp, Claudia S. Cohn

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

95 Scopus citations

Abstract

The direct antiglobulin test (DAT) is a laboratory test that detects immunoglobulin and/or complement on the surface of red blood cells. The utility of the DAT is to sort hemolysis into an immune or nonimmune etiology. As with all tests, DAT results must be viewed in light of clinical and other laboratory data. This review highlights the most common clinical situations where the DAT can help classify causes of hemolysis, including autoimmune hemolytic anemia, transfusion-related hemolysis, hemolytic disease of the fetus/newborn, drug-induced hemolytic anemia, passenger lymphocyte syndrome, and DAT-negative hemolytic anemia. In addition, the pitfalls and limitations of the test are addressed. False reactions may occur with improper technique, including improper washing, centrifugation, and specimen agitation at the time of result interpretation. Patient factors, such as spontaneous red blood cell agglutination, may also contribute to false results.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)707-709
Number of pages3
JournalAmerican Journal of Hematology
Volume87
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2012
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hematology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The direct antiglobulin test: A critical step in the evaluation of hemolysis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this