Antibody, Screen
CPT Code(s):
86850
Turnaround Time:
24 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Whole Blood
Minimum Volume:
4.0 mL
Transport Container:
Lavender Top Tube (EDTA)
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Specimens should be tested as soon as possible. Samples that cannot be tested immediately should be stored at 2 - 8 degrees celcius. Do not freeze whole blood.
Rejection Criteria:
Grossly hemolyzed; bacterial or other contamination
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
24 hours
Refrigerated:
3 days
Frozen:
Unacceptable
Clinical Significance
Antibody Screen holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of blood banking and transfusion medicine. This test is designed to detect the presence of unexpected antibodies in a patient's blood, which can pose challenges during blood transfusion.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Antibody Screen include:
1. Identification of Unexpected Antibodies: Antibody Screen is performed to identify the presence of unexpected antibodies in a patient's blood. These antibodies may develop as a result of previous blood transfusions, pregnancies, or exposure to foreign antigens. Detecting unexpected antibodies is crucial as they can cause transfusion reactions and impact the selection of compatible blood products for transfusion.
2. Compatibility Assessment for Blood Transfusion: Antibody Screen helps determine the compatibility between a patient's blood and potential donor blood products. If unexpected antibodies are detected, further testing is conducted to identify the specific antibodies and determine their potential reactivity with donor blood. This information is crucial for ensuring a safe and compatible blood transfusion, minimizing the risk of adverse reactions.
3. Crossmatching and Antibody Identification: The results of Antibody Screen guide the selection of compatible donor blood for crossmatching. Crossmatching involves mixing the patient's serum with potential donor red blood cells to assess compatibility. Antibody identification tests are performed to determine the specific antibodies present, aiding in the selection of compatible blood products for transfusion.
4. Prevention of Hemolytic Transfusion Reactions: Antibody Screen plays a vital role in preventing hemolytic transfusion reactions. If a patient has antibodies that react with donor red blood cells, transfusing incompatible blood products can lead to severe immune reactions, including hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), fever, and organ damage. By identifying unexpected antibodies through Antibody Screen, compatible blood products can be selected, reducing the risk of transfusion reactions.
5. Prenatal Screening: Antibody Screen is also used during prenatal care to identify antibodies that may affect the fetus. Rh(D) antibody screening, in particular, is performed on pregnant women who are Rh(D) negative to assess their risk of developing antibodies against the Rh(D) antigen, which can cause hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). Identifying these antibodies allows for appropriate monitoring and intervention during pregnancy to ensure the well-being of the fetus.
In summary, Antibody Screen has specific clinical significance and diagnostic uses in blood banking and transfusion medicine. It identifies unexpected antibodies in a patient's blood, allowing for compatibility assessment, crossmatching, and selection of compatible blood products for transfusion. By detecting and identifying antibodies, this test helps prevent transfusion reactions, ensures the safety of blood transfusions, and contributes to optimal patient care in transfusion medicine and prenatal care.