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A direct antiglobulin test is one of the most widely used medical tests and is performed as a diagnostic test in a number of medical conditions. A direct antiglobulin test maybe ordered in the event that an individual is experiencing a variety of symptoms such as back pain, dark urine, jaundice, paleness, an enlarged spleen as well as significant fatigue. A doctor may also order a direct antiglobulin test performed when the patient experiences a rash or chills. The direct antiglobulin test procedure primarily looks for antibodies attached to the red blood cells in the bloodstream and the antigens that are attached to them. These attached antigens are a matter of inheritance and are unique to each individual. These antigens play an immense role in deciding the conditions that can affect your body as well as have precedence over a number of health issues afflicting the body. The direct antiglobulin test will see a blood sample removed from a vein in your body and tested upon in a laboratory.
If the direct antiglobulin test results is positive, this indicates that there are antibodies attached to the red blood cells and, as a rule, the stronger the direct antiglobulin test reaction – the greater the amount of antibodies clinging on to the Red blood cells. While the test indicates the presence of the antibodies, it does not point to any particular cause or even the exact type of antibody presence. In order to retrieve this information, further medical testing as well as analysis of the patient’s medical history is required. In the event that the direct antiglobulin test results are negative, it indicates that there are no antibodies attached to the red blood cells and the symptoms present are the result of some other medical complication.
The direct antiglobulin test is often used in the cases of a blood transfusion having been performed as it helps the medical staff understand and detect any reactions that occur within the body of the patient. Blood transfusions are very serious and any complications could have devastating results. As a result, performing a direct antiglobulin test on a blood transfusion victim is an essential part of the post op treatment. In the event that the direct antiglobulin test is positive as a result of a transfusion reaction, it will remain positive for 48 hours to 3 month. However, if it is the result of an autoimmune condition, it is likely to remain positive chronically.
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