Home
HelpTest ID DCTR Direct Antiglobulin Test (Polyspecific), Blood
Shipping Instructions
Specimen must arrive within 48 hours of collection.
Specimen Required
Container/Tube: Pink top (EDTA)
Specimen Volume: 6 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Invert several times to mix blood.
2. Send whole blood specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.
Useful For
Demonstrating in vivo coating of red blood cells with IgG or the complement component C3d in the following settings:
-Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
-Hemolytic transfusion reactions
-Drug-induced hemolytic anemia
Reflex Tests
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| DATR | Direct Antiglobulin Tst (Poly) | No | No |
| DC3TR | Direct Antiglobulin Test (C3) | No | No |
| DIGTR | Direct Antiglobulin Test (IgG) | No | No |
Testing Algorithm
When the direct antiglobulin test (DAT) result is positive, the DAT test will be interpreted as “Invalid – See addl testing" and the polyspecific DAT test will be performed.
When polyspecific DAT result is positive, then DAT complement 3 and DAT IgG tests will be performed at an additional charge.
Method Name
Hemagglutination
Reporting Name
Direct Antiglobulin Test (Poly)Specimen Type
Whole Blood EDTASpecimen Minimum Volume
3 mL; Neonates: EDTA Micro tube 0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Blood EDTA | Ambient (preferred) | 48 hours | |
| Refrigerated | 48 hours |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | OK |
Clinical Information
IgG antibody or complement components secondary to the action of IgM antibody may be present on the patient's own red blood cells (RBC) or on transfused RBC.
Reference Values
Negative
Interpretation
Negative: No IgG antibody or complement (C3d) detected on the surface of the red cell.
Positive: Test polyspecific direct antiglobulin testing will be ordered and performed.
Cautions
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia can occasionally occur with a negative direct antiglobulin test.
The direct antiglobulin test can be positive in some apparently healthy individuals.
Clinical Reference
Cohn CS, Delaney DO, Johnson ST, Katz LM, Schwartz J, eds. Technical Manual. 21st ed. AABB; 2023
Method Description
Antihuman globulin reacts with red cell-bound immunoglobulins to produce agglutination.(Cohn CS, et al. Technical Manual. 21st edition. AABB; 2023)
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
Same day/1 to 2 daysTest Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
86880