What is difference between direct and indirect Coombs test?

Coombs test is performed when hemolytic anemia is suspected, in prenatal care, and before blood transfusions.

It's indirect as it detects free-floating antibodies in the serum, rather than those already attached to RBCs.

Indirect Coombs identifies antibodies not attached to RBCs, crucial for crossmatching blood for transfusions.

Serum or blood is mixed with RBCs, and anti-human globulin is added to detect antibody-coated cells.

The test detects antibodies bound to RBCs by using anti-human globulin to agglutinate sensitized cells.

Coombs test in pregnancy identifies Rh incompatibility, preventing hemolytic disease in the newborn.

A positive result indicates an immune reaction, and its seriousness depends on the underlying condition.

Coombs test is employed to detect antibodies, specifically immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.

A Coombs Test is not used to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder in women. PCOS diagnosis involves clinical assessment by a healthcare provider, evaluation of symptoms (e.g., irregular periods and elevated androgen levels), and imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound). A Coombs Test primarily targets red blood cell antibodies and is unrelated to PCOS.

A Coombs Test is not used to diagnose endometriosis, a painful condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis diagnosis involves clinical assessment by a gynecologist, imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound or MRI), and, in some cases, laparoscopy with tissue biopsy. A Coombs Test primarily targets red blood cell antibodies and is unrelated to endometriosis.

A Coombs Test is not used to diagnose fibroid tumors (uterine fibroids), which are noncancerous growths in the uterus. Fibroid diagnosis involves clinical assessment by a gynecologist, imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound or MRI), and, in some cases, biopsy. A Coombs Test primarily targets red blood cell antibodies and is unrelated to fibroid tumors.

A Coombs Test is not used to diagnose schizophrenia, a complex mental disorder characterized by altered perceptions and thought processes. Schizophrenia diagnosis involves clinical evaluation by a psychiatrist, assessment of symptoms, and exclusion of other psychiatric conditions. A Coombs Test primarily targets red blood cell antibodies and is unrelated to schizophrenia.

A Coombs Test is not used to diagnose bipolar disorder, a mood disorder characterized by manic and depressive episodes. Bipolar disorder diagnosis involves clinical evaluation by a mental health professional, assessment of mood changes, and exclusion of other psychiatric conditions. A Coombs Test primarily targets red blood cell antibodies and is unrelated to bipolar disorder.

A Coombs Test is not used to diagnose migraines, a neurological condition characterized by recurrent headaches. Migraine diagnosis relies on clinical assessment, evaluation of headache patterns, and exclusion of other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. A Coombs Test primarily targets red blood cell antibodies and is unrelated to migraines.

A Coombs Test is not used to diagnose hypothyroidism, a thyroid disorder characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone production. Hypothyroidism diagnosis involves blood tests measuring thyroid hormone levels (e.g., TSH, T4, and T3), clinical evaluation, and assessment of symptoms. A Coombs Test primarily targets red blood cell antibodies and is unrelated to hypothyroidism.

A Coombs Test is not used to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a functional gastrointestinal disorder. IBS diagnosis relies on clinical assessment, evaluation of symptoms, and exclusion of other gastrointestinal conditions. A Coombs Test primarily targets red blood cell antibodies and is unrelated to IBS.

A Coombs Test is not used to diagnose chronic kidney disease (CKD), a progressive condition affecting kidney function. CKD diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, blood tests (e.g., serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate), urine tests (e.g., proteinuria and hematuria), and imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound). A Coombs Test primarily targets red blood cell antibodies and is unrelated to CKD.

A Coombs Test is not used to diagnose epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Epilepsy diagnosis involves clinical evaluation by a neurologist, electroencephalography (EEG), imaging studies (e.g., MRI), and exclusion of other conditions that may cause seizures. A Coombs Test primarily targets red blood cell antibodies and is unrelated to epilepsy.

A Coombs Test is not used to diagnose psoriasis, a chronic skin condition. Psoriasis diagnosis is typically based on clinical evaluation by a dermatologist, assessment of skin lesions, and, in some cases, skin biopsy for histological analysis. A Coombs Test primarily targets red blood cell antibodies and is unrelated to psoriasis.

A Coombs Test is not used to diagnose Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn's disease diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, endoscopic procedures (e.g., colonoscopy and upper endoscopy), imaging studies (e.g., CT scans), and histopathological examination of tissue samples. A Coombs Test primarily targets red blood cell antibodies and is unrelated to Crohn's disease.

A Coombs Test is not used to diagnose Alzheimer's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder. Alzheimer's disease diagnosis involves clinical evaluation by a neurologist, cognitive assessments, imaging studies (e.g., MRI or PET scans), and, in some cases, cerebrospinal fluid analysis. A Coombs Test primarily targets red blood cell antibodies and is unrelated to Alzheimer's disease.

A Coombs Test is not used to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). CFS diagnosis involves clinical assessment, evaluation of symptoms, and exclusion of other medical conditions. A Coombs Test primarily targets red blood cell antibodies and is unrelated to CFS.

A Coombs Test is not used to diagnose fibromyalgia, a complex chronic pain disorder. Fibromyalgia diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation, assessment of specific tender points, and exclusion of other medical conditions with similar symptoms. A Coombs Test primarily targets red blood cell antibodies and is unrelated to fibromyalgia.

A Coombs Test is not used to diagnose Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder. Parkinson's disease diagnosis involves clinical evaluation by a neurologist, assessment of motor symptoms, and exclusion of other conditions that may mimic Parkinson's symptoms. A Coombs Test primarily targets red blood cell antibodies and is unrelated to Parkinson's disease.

A Coombs Test is not used to diagnose Lyme disease, an infectious disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. Lyme disease diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation, specific serological tests (e.g., enzyme immunoassays and Western blot tests), and, in some cases, PCR assays to detect bacterial DNA. A Coombs Test focuses on red blood cell antibodies and is unrelated to Lyme disease.