Antibody Screen

An antibody screen, also known as an indirect antiglobulin blood test or an indirect Coombs test is a blood test used to detect different types of antibodies against red blood cells antigens and is found circulating in the bloodstream. Antibodies are proteins that the body makes in order to fight off foreign and harmful materials, such as bacteria and viruses. However, sometimes these antibodies fail to differentiate “self” from “non-self” and these antibodies start breaking down tissue in your body. This is called an auto-antibody. Red blood cells have antigens on their surface which helps to determine which blood type you are. These antibodies attack the antigens on the red bloods cells and in doing so, they kill and destroy the red blood cells, causing anemia, jaundice and hemolytic disease of the newborn. This test can help to identify these antibodies before too much damage is done.

This blood test is performed in following conditions such as:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Chills
• Discolored urine
• Change in blood pressure

Also Known As: Indirect Antiglobulin Test, Indirect Coombs’