Which test is commonly used to evaluate blood compatibility?

The direct Coombs test is a critical laboratory procedure used to evaluate blood compatibility, particularly in the context of blood transfusions and hemolytic disease of the newborn. This test identifies the presence of antibodies bound to the surface of red blood cells. In transfusion medicine, it is essential to determine if recipient antibodies would react against donor red blood cells, which could result in an adverse transfusion reaction.

In practice, the direct Coombs test involves mixing a patient's red blood cells with a Coombs reagent, which contains anti-human IgG antibodies. If agglutination occurs, it indicates that antibodies are present on the red blood cells, pointing to possible incompatibility with donor blood. This test is a frontline tool for ensuring patient safety in transfusion practices, confirming that donor and recipient blood types are compatible and minimizing the risk of hemolytic reactions.

Other tests provided do play important roles in various aspects of blood banking and immunology, but they are not primarily focused on assessing blood compatibility. For instance, Rituximab is a therapeutic monoclonal antibody used in certain types of cancer and autoimmune diseases. Hemoglobin electrophoresis is used to separate and identify different types of hemoglobin, which is relevant for diagnosing conditions like sickle cell