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    Direct Coombs Test (DCT)104480023% off
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    What Is a Direct Coombs Test (DCT) Test?

    The Direct Coombs test, also known as the direct antiglobulin test (DAT), is a medical test used to find antibodies that attach to red blood cells (RBCs) and cause them to rupture (haemolysis). This test is important for diagnosing certain blood-related problems, such as a condition called autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA).

    In this type of anaemia, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own RBCs. This leads to reduced RBC counts. Symptoms of AIHA can include tiredness, pale skin, trouble breathing, and yellowing of the skin or eyes (called jaundice). The Direct Coombs test (DCT) can check if the immune system is the cause of this problem.

    A blood sample is required for this test. A positive test result indicates that there are antibodies on the RBCs. This can happen in conditions like autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, due to certain medicines, or some autoimmune diseases like lupus.

    If you’re in Bangalore, you can get a DCT Test in Bangalore for the early diagnosis and effective management of your condition.

    Direct Coombs Test (DCT) Test Parameters

    The Direct Coombs test evaluates a single parameter – the presence of antibodies attached to RBCs. These antibodies can cause RBCs to break down too quickly, leading to conditions like anaemia and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). To perform the test, the blood sample is processed to remove any unbound antibodies. A special chemical is then added to detect antibodies bound to the RBCs. In cases of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, the degree of clumping helps determine the seriousness of the condition. This test is essential to diagnose and monitor blood-related disorders by checking if the immune system is attacking the RBCs, allowing you to receive appropriate treatment. 2,3

    Direct Coombs Test (DCT) Test Preparation

    When scheduling a Direct Coombs test at home, here are a few things you should know:

    Prerequisites

    Typically, no fasting or special preparation is required before the Direct Coombs test.

    Best Time to Get Tested

    You can take the Direct Coombs test anytime during the day. 4

    Who Should Get a Direct Coombs Test?

    The Coombs test is recommended if you have symptoms of anaemia or jaundice or if a blood transfusion reaction is suspected. 1,3

    Cautions Before Taking Direct Coombs Test

    You need not take any special precautions before taking the Direct Coombs test. 4

    Why Take the Direct Coombs Test (DCT) Test?

    The Direct Coombs test is needed when doctors suspect a person may have a condition where their body makes antibodies against its own RBCs, causing the RBCs to rupture. This process is known as haemolysis, which can lead to anaemia, which means there are not enough healthy RBCs in the body to carry oxygen.

    The Direct Coombs test is particularly helpful in diagnosing autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA), a condition where the body’s immune system attacks its own RBCs. The test works by detecting antibodies or other substances, like complement proteins, that might be stuck to the surface of RBCs. If the test is positive, it suggests that these antibodies are causing the destruction of RBCs.

    The Direct Coombs test is also needed in cases where a person is suspected of having a haemolytic transfusion reaction, in which their body reacts negatively to the blood they have received via transfusion. In these cases, the test helps doctors detect the immune reaction, which can be serious and requires immediate treatment. This test is also used to diagnose erythroblastosis fetalis (haemolytic disease of the newborn, HDN). In this disease, a mother’s immune system might produce antibodies that attack the RBCs of her baby, leading to conditions like jaundice. The Direct Coombs test can help doctors determine if this is happening and if the baby needs treatment. 2,3

    By doing the Direct Coombs test, doctors can identify if infections like mononucleosis (a viral illness), syphilis (a bacterial infection), and mycoplasma (a type of bacteria), or certain medications are causing the body to produce antibodies that attack red blood cells (RBCs). 5

    Overall, the Direct Coombs test is a vital tool for diagnosing and managing conditions where the body’s immune system wrongly attacks RBCs.

    FAQs on the Direct Coombs Test (DCT) Test in Bangalore

    The rate of the Direct Coombs test in Bangalore is ₹800. This includes hassle-free home sample collection within 60 minutes of booking confirmation and results available within 3 hours of sample collection.

    Yes, Orange Health Labs offers home sample collection for the Direct Coombs test in Bangalore. After booking confirmation, a trained eMedic will collect your sample within 60 minutes, based on slot availability.

    The Direct Coombs test is used to detect antibodies attached to RBCs, helping diagnose conditions like haemolytic anaemia, transfusion reactions, and certain infections.

    Fasting is generally not required for the Direct Coombs test at home. However, follow your doctor’s advice if specific preparations are needed.

    To book a Direct Coombs test with Orange Health Labs, follow these steps:

    • Search for the Test : Visit the Orange Health website and select the Direct Coombs test in Bangalore.

    • Confirm Booking : Choose the test, review guidelines, provide your location, and schedule a convenient time.

    • Sample Collection : A trained eMedic will visit your home/chosen location to collect the sample.

    • Laboratory Processing : The blood sample for the ACTH test is processed at an ICMR-approved and NABL-accredited laboratory.

    • Receive Results : Results are shared via email or WhatsApp within 3 hours of sample collection and can also be accessed via the Orange Health app.

    The normal result for the Direct Coombs test is negative, meaning no antibodies are attached to RBCs. A positive result indicates the presence of antibodies.

    Once your Direct Coombs test booking is confirmed, an eMedic will collect your sample within 60 minutes. Results are typically available online within 3 hours of sample collection.

    The frequency of the Direct Coombs test depends on your health condition and your doctor’s recommendations. 4 Consult your doctor to determine the best testing frequency for you.

    The Direct Coombs test checks only one parameter – the presence of antibodies attached to RBCs and the result is typically either positive or negative.

    Orange Health provides convenient home testing services for the Direct Coombs test in Bangalore, covering areas such as Adugodi, Banashankari, Bannerghatta, Basavanagudi, Bellandur, BTM Layout, Chamrajpet, Cottonpet, CV Raman Nagar, Frazer Town, Giri Nagar, Hebbal, Domlur, Hennur, Hosur, HSR Layout, Electronic City, Jakkur, Jalahalli, Jaya Nagar, Kadugodi, Kammanahalli, Kengeri, Koramangala, Mahalakshmi Layout, Madiwala, Magadi Road, Malleshwaram, Marathahalli, Mathikere, Mysore Road, Nagarbhavi, Nandhini Layout, Old Airport Road, Peenya, RT Nagar, Rajaji Nagar, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Sadashivnagar, Sahakara Nagar, Sanjay Nagar, Sarjapur, Seshadripuram, Shanthi Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, Sri Nagar, Tyagarajnagar, Uttarahalli, Vasanth Nagar, Vidyaranyapura, Vijaya Nagar, Whitefield, Yelahanka, and Yeshwantpur.

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    References

    1. Coombs test: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.  Available from:  https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003344.htm
    2. Cleveland Clinic. Coombs Test: Purpose, Procedure & Result.  Available from:  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22978-coombs-test
    3. Theis SR, Hashmi MF. Coombs Test.  Available from:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK547707/
    4. Barrett-Connor E. Anemia and infection. The American Journal of Medicine.  Available from:  https://www.amjmed.com/article/0002-9343(72)90073-3/abstract