The Coombs test is used to diagnose which condition?

The Coombs test is used to diagnose which condition?

• A. Coggins Test
• B. Intradermal Testing
• C. Latex Agglutination Test
• D. Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

Answer: (D)

The test hinges on detecting antibodies or complement bound to red blood cells, which is what autoimmune hemolytic anemia involves. In the direct Coombs test, antibodies against immunoglobulin or complement are added to the patient’s red blood cells; if the cells are coated with immune components, they will agglutinate, indicating immune-mediated destruction of RBCs consistent with autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The other tests don’t target this specific immune process: Coggins screens for equine infectious anemia, intradermal testing assesses hypersensitivity reactions, and latex agglutination is a general method for detecting antigens or antibodies but not specifically used to diagnose AIHA.

The test hinges on detecting antibodies or complement bound to red blood cells, which is what autoimmune hemolytic anemia involves. In the direct Coombs test, antibodies against immunoglobulin or complement are added to the patient’s red blood cells; if the cells are coated with immune components, they will agglutinate, indicating immune-mediated destruction of RBCs consistent with autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The other tests don’t target this specific immune process: Coggins screens for equine infectious anemia, intradermal testing assesses hypersensitivity reactions, and latex agglutination is a general method for detecting antigens or antibodies but not specifically used to diagnose AIHA.