Indirect Coombs Test

The Indirect Coombs Test (ICT) is a blood test used to detect antibodies against red blood cells (RBCs) in the plasma. It is commonly performed during pregnancy and before blood transfusions to check for compatibility issues. This test helps identify the presence of antibodies that could lead to hemolytic reactions, which can occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks foreign or mismatched RBCs.

In pregnancy, the Indirect Coombs Test is used to screen for Rh incompatibility between the mother and fetus. If an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive baby, her immune system may develop antibodies against the baby’s RBCs, leading to hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). This test helps prevent complications by ensuring early medical intervention if needed.

This test involves taking a blood sample from a vein and mixing it with reagent RBCs in a laboratory. If antibodies are present, they will bind to the RBCs, and further testing with Coombs reagent will confirm the reaction.