Do you experience symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, weakness, or confusion? This may be due to anaemia. There are several causes of anaemia, one of which is a condition called autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, in which a person’s red blood cells are destroyed by antibodies against them.
The DCT test (Direct Coombs test) also known as direct antiglobulin test (DAT) is done to check for antibodies in your blood. The antibodies attach themselves to the surface of the red blood cells (RBCs) and may attack these healthy cells, causing several disorders. Certain drugs and diseases may also cause this condition.
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you are experiencing symptoms of haemolytic anaemia and jaundice such as weakness, dizziness, and yellowing of the skin or eyes.
The DCT test is recommended for the following reasons:
To screen a blood transfusion recipient before the transfusion to see if they may have any complications
To check whether some components in a mother's blood can target the newborn's red blood cells and cause haemolytic anaemia
To identify any foreign antibodies that may have attached to a newborn’s red blood cells (in newborns with jaundice)
To detect the type of anaemia, if it is haemolytic anaemia, and determine if it is brought on by an autoimmune condition or by any medication
A positive DCT test indicates that the antibodies present in your blood can attack your red blood cells, which may be caused by autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, or other blood-related diseases.
The direct Coombs test detects antibodies that attach to the surface of the red blood cells. This test is mainly used to identify blood-related conditions such as autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
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