Red Blood Cell Antibody Screen

A Red Blood Cell Antibody Screen (RBC antibody screen) is a type of medical test that looks for antibodies in the red blood cells. Antibodies are proteins that help fight off infections. An RBC antibody screen is typically used to identify antibodies in an attempt to find out why a person has anemia or is having some other type of immune-related problem.

Preparation

No special preparation is usually necessary for the test, although some labs may require fasting for 8 hours prior to the test.

Procedure

A sample of blood is taken from a vein in the arm and sent to a lab for analysis. The test measures the levels of antibodies in the red blood cells.

Types

Direct Coomb's Test - In this test, antibodies are added to the sample of the patient’s blood. It measures the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies.
Indirect Coomb’s Test - This test uses antibodies from a healthy donor’s blood. It measures the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies.

Risks

This test is generally considered safe and carries no risks. Common minor risks of a blood test include pain or bruising at the puncture site, lightheadedness, or slight bleeding from the puncture site.

Why RBC Antibody Screen Test is Done

This test is typically ordered when a patient has anemia or a low red blood cell count. It is also used to identify the type of anemia. The test can help diagnose autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and to monitor the progress of cell-mediated immune diseases, such as lupus.

When RBC Antibody Screen Test is Performed

The RBC antibody screen test is typically ordered when a patient has unexplained red blood cell or platelet destruction, unexplained anemia, or a low red blood cell count. It may also be ordered when certain autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis are suspected.