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Test Code LAB10406 Blood Type & Coombs Direct

Important Note

*Important Note*

All samples for blood bank testing must:

             1. Have two people perform patient identification at bedside and both collector codes must be written on the sample

             2. Arrive in the lab with the lab order label on the sample (No handwritten or chart labels unless it is during computer downtime)

             3. Any patient that does not have a blood type history with Arnot Health will have their blood type confirmed with a second venipuncture before transfusion of blood products. Blood type confirmation samples do not require two person verification.

 

The exceptions for two person verification:

             - Outpatient ABORh, Prenatal Testing, Antibody Titers, Direct Coombs (DAT), Blood Type Confirmation samples

            - Homedraw patients and Satellite phlebotomy stations must complete the "Patient Identification Verification" Form and submit it with the sample.

Performing Lab

Arnot Ogden Medical Center/ Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital

Ordering Recommendations

Determination of blood type and Rh.

Demonstrating in vivo coating of RBCs with IgG or the complement component C3d in the following settings:

-Autoimmune hemolytic anemia

-Hemolytic transfusion reactions

-Drug-induced hemolytic anemia

Collect

EDTA Whole Blood

Collection Device

EDTA Pink Tube or lavender microtainer for pediatric draws

Specimen Volume

5 ml

1 ml for pediatric patients

Stability (from collection to initiation)

Room Temp 24 hours
Refrigerated 24 hours

 

Minimum Requirements

3 mL

Methodology

Manual or Automated technology, Gel Column

Start Date

9/13/2017

Last Review Date

06/20/2025

7/11/25 AP

Specimen Handling

Refrigerated

Interpretive Data

A positive Direct Coombs indicates the red blood cells are coated with IgG or Complement. Both can lead to increased red blood cell destruction. Some medications or disease states can cause a positive Direct Coombs test.

Turn Around Time

STAT 1 hour
Routine 8 hours

*Additional testing may cause turn around time delays.

Reported

If the Direct Coombs, (IgG), is positive, an elution will be performed if the patient has been transfused in the past 3 months.