The Indirect Coombs Test (ICT) Serum is a blood test used to determine antibodies in the serum that may react with and damage red blood cells. The test, also known as the Indirect Antiglobulin Test, is named after its creator, Robin Coombs. Coomb's test was introduced in 1945 by Cambridge immunologists Robin Coomb. This test is done to the blood (serum) liquid part to detect antibodies in the bloodstream that could attach to certain RBCs causing extreme problems during blood transfusions. It reveals the presence of antibodies responsible for red blood cells auto haemolysis. If the recipient serum has any kind of antibodies, they get attached to the antigens present on the donor's red blood cell surface and form antigen-antibody complexes.

What is Indirect Coombs Test (ICT) Serum?

The Indirect Coombs Test (ICT) Serum is a blood test used to determine antibodies in the serum that may react with and damage red blood cells. The test, also known as the Indirect Antiglobulin Test, is named after its creator, Robin Coombs. Coomb's test was introduced in 1945 by Cambridge immunologists Robin Coomb. This test is done to the blood (serum) liquid part to detect antibodies in the bloodstream that could attach to certain RBCs causing extreme problems during blood transfusions. It reveals the presence of antibodies responsible for red blood cells auto haemolysis. If the recipient serum has any kind of antibodies, they get attached to the antigens present on the donor's red blood cell surface and form antigen-antibody complexes.

The ICT serum test is used in blood banking to screen potential blood donors for antibodies and identify the antibodies in a patient's serum that may induce transfusion reactions. The test also identifies autoimmune haemolytic anaemia. The ICT serum test is useful for blood banking and diagnosing some kinds of anaemia. This test can also be used to detect any kind of in-vitro antibody-antigen reactions.

What is the purpose of the Indirect Coombs Test (ICT) Serum?

The Indirect Coombs Test (ICT) Serum is used to identify antibodies in the serum that may react with and damage red blood cells. This test can reveal antibodies in the blood of pregnant women, people who have had many blood transfusions, and those who have autoimmune haemolytic anaemia. The ICT serum is used in pregnant women to identify the presence of antibodies that may cross the placenta and assault the foetus’s red blood cells, resulting in the haemolytic illness of the infant. This test can also be used to investigate whether or not a Rh-positive woman married to a Rh-negative husband has developed Anti- Rh antibodies.

What does the Indirect Coombs Test (ICT) Serum diagnose?

The Indirect Coombs Test (ICT) Serum is a blood test that detects antibodies in serum that may react with and kill red blood cells. The test can detect antibodies in the blood of pregnant women, people who have received multiple blood transfusions, and people who have autoimmune haemolytic anaemia. The test findings are presented as the presence or absence of antibodies in the serum, with a positive result indicating that antibodies are present. An indirect Coombs test is given as part of prenatal testing.

Why do you need the Indirect Coombs Test (ICT) Serum?

You may need the indirect coombs test if you're undergoing transfusion to ensure you don't have any kind of antibodies that could react to the donated blood. Pregnant women may be ordered to get an indirect Coombs test with a prenatal antibody screening. It checks the pregnant woman's blood to see if antibodies could pass to and harm the unborn baby.

Preparation and Procedure required for the Indirect Coombs Test (ICT) Serum

You don't need to make any special preparation for the indirect coombs test (ICT) serum. If you're taking any medications, you must inform your healthcare provider, as they may lead to inaccurate test results. You should also follow the instructions of the technician and the healthcare provider to ensure that the test results are accurate.

The patient's blood sample is required for the ICT serum test. During the test, the technician will insert a needle to draw blood from a vein in your arm. After collecting the blood sample, it is sent to a laboratory for examination. The red blood cells are isolated from the serum in the laboratory, and the serum is combined with known antibodies to identify the presence of any antibodies that could react with the red blood cells. Antibodies will attach to the red blood cells, causing them to clump together or agglutinate. To quantify the strength of the antibody reaction, the degree of agglutination is measured and compared to a standard. During the indirect Coomb's test, adequate washing of the red cells is important to ensure that you get positive results.

Understanding the Indirect Coombs Test (ICT) Serum results?

The Indirect Coombs test (ICT) serum looks for the presence of antibodies for a specific antibody. This test is deemed positive if antibodies are found, suggesting that the patient has been sensitized to the antigen. Agglutination degree is also reported, with a higher degree indicating a stronger antibody reaction. A negative result indicates that antibodies are not loose in serum. A positive result indicates that antibodies are loose in the serum. If the test results are negative, you don't have antibodies in your serum, and you can get blood from the donor without any worries.

The ICT serum test results are interpreted alongside the patient's medical history and other laboratory tests. A positive ICT serum test in a pregnant woman may suggest that the baby is at risk of haemolytic disease, and more testing may be needed to identify the severity of the problem. A positive ICT serum test in people with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia may suggest the existence of autoantibodies that target the patient's own red blood cells.