Coombsteszt

Coombsteszt, also known as the Coombs' test or Coombs' direct antiglobulin test, is a laboratory test used to detect the presence of antibodies in the blood that can cause hemolysis, or the destruction of red blood cells. This test is particularly important in diagnosing autoimmune hemolytic anemia, where the body's own immune system produces antibodies that attack its own red blood cells.

The Coombsteszt involves mixing a patient's blood sample with a reagent containing antibodies specific to human blood group antigens. If the patient's blood contains antibodies that can cause hemolysis, these antibodies will bind to the reagent, forming an agglutination or clumping of the red blood cells. This agglutination is then detected using a microscope or other laboratory equipment.

The test is named after Sir Godalming W. Coombs, a British physician who developed the method in the 1940s. It is a crucial diagnostic tool in hematology and is used to differentiate between different types of hemolytic anemias, such as autoimmune, drug-induced, or infectious causes.

The Coombsteszt is typically performed on a fresh blood sample to ensure accurate results. It is a sensitive and specific test, but it may not detect all types of hemolytic anemias, particularly those caused by cold agglutinins, which are best detected using the indirect antiglobulin test. The results of the Coombsteszt can guide further diagnostic workup and treatment decisions.