CAP Pro Course - Blood Bank - Direct Antiglobulin Test

(based on 479 customer ratings)

Author: Suzanne Butch, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM, SBB, DLM
Reviewer: Patrick Tracy, MA, MLS(ASCP)

Continuing Education Credits

Objectives

  • Discuss the basic principles of antiglobulin testing and clinical indications for direct antiglobulin testing (DAT).
  • Describe serological procedures used in DAT testing and the preanalytical and analytical variables that may influence results.
  • Identify clinical conditions that may cause positive DAT results.
  • Describe common methods used in the investigation of a positive DAT.

Course Outline

  • Discuss the basic principles of antiglobulin testing and clinical indications for direct antiglobulin testing (DAT).
      • Antiglobulin Testing Principles
      • Antibody-Coated Control Cells
      • Clinical Indications for Direct Antiglobulin Testing
      • Anti-human Globulin Reagents
      • The DAT is used to detect the presence of antibodies coating the red cells in which one of the following diseases?
      • Which one of the following reagents should be selected to be used as a screening test for detecting red cell sensitization?
      • In which one of the following situations is a DAT required?
      • Which one of the following might result in false-positive DAT results?
  • Describe serological procedures used in DAT testing and the preanalytical and analytical variables that may influence results.
      • DAT Specimen Requirements
      • DAT Serological Procedures
      • Which one of the following is the best specimen to use for direct antiglobulin testing?
      • A technologist is performing a DAT using anti-complement reagents. The reagent is added to the washed cells and centrifuged. The test reaction is read...
      • When should a patient's cells be washed with 37°C saline prior to performing a DAT?
      • Prior to surgery, a pre-transfusion workup on patient F resulted in an ABO discrepancy. Records show that patient F has a history of cold agglutinin s...
  • Identify clinical conditions that may cause positive DAT results and variables that may cause false-positive and false-negative results.
      • Interpretation of Positive DAT Results
      • Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA)
      • Hemolytic Transfusion Reactions (HTRs)
      • Drug-Induced Hemolysis
      • Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN)
      • Preanalytical and Analytical Variables That May Produce False-Positive DAT Results
      • Preanalytical and Analytical Variables That May Produce False-Negative DAT Results
      • A technologist reads a panel made from the eluate of a patient with warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (WAIHA). There is reactivity with all cells, but ...
      • A patient has been taking a high dose of a medication known to cause hemolysis. What is the first step in determining if the patient's anemia is cause...
  • Describe common methods used in the investigation of a positive DAT.
      • Evaluation of Positive DAT Results
      • Elution Techniques
      • Adsorption Techniques
      • Evaluation of Positive DATs in Newborns
      • What cause of a positive DAT is most likely to produce pan-agglutination in the AHG phase of an antibody screen?
      • Patient W is a 47-year-old male post-operative patient whose hemoglobin levels have been decreasing. He received two units of Red Blood Cells during s...
      • Patient R is being evaluated for a suspected delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction. The post-transfusion serological work-up is summarized below. Wha...
      • Patient T is a 58-year-old woman with a history of warm-autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Her physician has ordered two units of Red Blood Cells to be read...
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Intended Audience:  This program is designed as an educational and training tool for MLS, MT, and MLT personnel, medical laboratory science students and interns, pathology residents, and practicing pathologists.
Author Information:  Suzanne H. Butch, MA, MLS(ASCP)<sup>CM</sup>, SBB, DLM is the Administrative Manager for Healthcare, Blood Bank & Transfusion Service at the University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She holds a bachelor's degree in Medical Technology from the University of Michigan, a master's degree in Management and Supervision from Central Michigan University, and Certifications as a Specialist in Blood Bank, as a Quality Audit, and as a Diplomate in Laboratory Medicine. She has edited books and written numerous book chapters and articles and has been invited to present numerous lectures in the field of computerization in the blood bank, automation, and transfusion medicine. 
Reviewer Information:  Patrick Tracy, MA, MLS (ASCP), has been an MLT program director since 2012. His teaching experience has been in student labs, both face-to-face and online. His contribution to medical-laboratory education is most pronounced by his microbiology, blood bank, and chemistry YouTube channel.

This course is part of the CAP Competency Assessment Hub.

See other included Pro courses

See other included instrument checklists