Indirect Antiglobulin (Indirect Coombs) Test
Indirect Antiglobulin (Indirect Coombs) Test
Indirect Antiglobulin (Indirect Coombs) Test

The indirect antiglobulin (indirect Coombs) test is used to detect IgG antibodies against red blood cells (RBCs) in a patient's plasma. The patient's plasma is incubated with reagent RBCs; then Coombs serum (antibodies to human IgG, or human anti-IgG) is added. If agglutination occurs, IgG antibodies (autoantibodies or alloantibodies) against RBCs are present. This test is also used to determine the specificity of an alloantibody.