DIRECT ANTIGLOBULIN TEST (007-0046)  "DIRECT ANTIGLOBULIN TEST"

Synonyms: Antiglobulin Test, Direct; Anti-human Globulin Test, Direct; Anti-human Serum Test, Direct; DAT; Direct Coombs

CPT 4 Code: 86880

Test Order Mnemonic: DAT

Test Includes: Direct antiglobulin testing with polyspecific anti-human globulin serum and use of monospecific reagents (anti-IgG, anticomplement) when indicated.  Eluates from IgG AHG positive cells are prepared for antibody identification on most of the patients who have been recently transfused.

Lab: Blood Bank

Request Form: Blood Bank Division Primary Request Form

Collection: Routine venipuncture

Causes for Rejection: Gross hemolysis, specimen collected in a SST/serum separator tube

Availability: Samples are accepted 24 hours per day; Blood Bank, Room 1.180 John Sealy Annex.

Turnaround Time: 2 hours if negative, if positive possibly 8-10 hours

Special Instructions: Diagnosis, history of transfusions, and all medications received by patient before and during admission to the hospital should be indicated on requisition form.  All requests must include requesting physician’s name and ID number, patient's name, UH #, patient location, clinical information/diagnosis, identity of phlebotomist and date and time collected.  Specimen must be labeled with patient full name, UH # and Date of Collection. Specimen must be transported to the laboratory in a biohazard specimen bag with request form in the pocket of the bag.  Request form must be filled out completely and all information must be legible.

Specimen: Blood, cord blood preferred on newborns

Volume: 7 mL blood

Minimum Volume: 3 mL blood

Container: One lavender-topped tube

Reference Ranges: Negative

Reviewed/Revised 02/14/06 by D. Madrigal, MT(ASCP)SBB