Direct Antiglobulin (Direct Coombs) Test

The direct antiglobulin (direct Coombs) test is used to determine whether red blood cell (RBC)-binding antibody (IgG) or complement (C3) is present on RBC membranes. The patient's RBCs are incubated with antibodies to human IgG and C3. If IgG or C3 is bound to RBC membranes, agglutination occurs—a positive result. A positive result suggests the presence of autoantibodies to RBCs. A positive test result does not always equate with hemolysis. Thus, results should always be correlated with the clinical signs and symptoms.