Laboratory diagnosis of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia involves a combination of tests and assessments, such as:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
The CBC test is used to measure the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in a sample of blood. It also measures the size and shape of the red blood cells. A CBC can help to identify anaemia and other signs of a lack of oxygen in the blood.
Reticulocyte Count
Reticulocyte count is a test that measures the number of immature red blood cells (reticulocytes) in the blood. This test helps to diagnose a type of anaemia caused by a lack of red blood cells.
Direct Coombs Test (DCT)
The direct Coombs test is used to detect the presence of antibodies that target red blood cells. This test can help to diagnose autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, as well as other disorders such as Rh disease, in which the mother’s antibodies attack the baby’s red blood cells.
Indirect Coombs Test (ICT)
The indirect Coombs test is used to detect the presence of antibodies in the patient’s blood that may be attacking red blood cells. This test can help to diagnose autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, as well as other disorders such as Rh disease, in which the mother’s antibodies attack the baby’s red blood cells.
Osmotic Fragility Test
The osmotic fragility test is a test that measures the resistance of red blood cells to changes in osmotic pressure. This test can help to diagnose autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, as well as other disorders such as Rh disease, in which the mother’s antibodies attack the baby’s red blood cells.
Antibody Screen
An antibody screen is used to detect the presence of antibodies directed against red blood cells. This test can help to diagnose autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, as well as other disorders such as Rh disease, in which the mother’s antibodies attack the baby’s red blood cells.
