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Indications for an RBC Antibodies Test

Everyone's red blood cells (RBCs) contain structures called antigens, which form the basis for blood-typing and cross-matching for tranfusions. If a foreign antigen is introduced, usually through prior pregnancy or blood transfusion, the body may begin to produce antibodies against the foreign RBC antigens, which can lead to potentially severe reactions. In situations in which foreign antigen presence is suspected, an RBC Antibody Identification test is conducted.

  1. Pregnancy

    • According to Lab Tests Online, an indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) is performed during every pregnancy to determine if the mother has developed any RBC antibodies. If the result of this test is positive, it will be followed up by an RBC antibody identification test. In this case, the purpose of the test is to determine whether any present antibodies could cause a transfusion reaction in the mother or fetal damage, such as hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN).

    Blood Transfusion Reaction

    • A suspected transfusion reaction will result in an RBC antibodies identification test being conducted. Transfusion reactions can occur as early as during the transfusion, or as late as one to four weeks afterward. Severity of the reactions varies as well, ranging from mild to severe. The most common symptoms of a transfusion reaction are chills, itching, pain and lightheadedness. Severe reactions may damage the kidneys, liver and heart, and must be identified and treated immediately.

    Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

    • In autoimmune hemolytic anemia, the body's immune system mistakes its own RBCs for foreign substance and attacks them. Severe cases of this condition require frequent transfusions, and RBC antibodies identification tests are required to find matches for donor blood.

    Newborn HDN

    • In hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), the RBCs of the newborn are being attacked by the mother's antibodies while the newborn is still in the womb. The attack is the result of incompatibilities between the mother's blood and the baby's blood. When risk for this condition is suspected, mothers must submit to an RBC antibodies identification test to determine which antibodies may pose a threat. The mother is then treated with therapeutic antibodies to neutralize the risk for a negative reaction.

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