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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 diagnostic test used to identify antibodies that attach to red blood cells (RBCs), leading to their destruction (haemolysis). This test is vital for diagnosing conditions like autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA).

    In AIHA, the immune system wrongly attacks its own RBCs, resulting in a reduced RBC count. Symptoms of AIHA include fatigue, pale skin, difficulty breathing, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). The Direct Coombs test (DCT) is used to confirm whether the immune system is responsible for the issue.

    A blood sample is required to perform the test. A positive result indicates that antibodies are present on the RBCs, which may occur in autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, certain medications, or autoimmune diseases such as lupus.

    If you are in Hyderabad, you can arrange for a DCT Test in the city for early diagnosis and effective management of your condition.

    Direct Coombs Test (DCT) Test Parameters

    The Direct Coombs test looks at a single parameter – the presence of antibodies attached to red blood cells (RBCs). These antibodies can cause the RBCs to break down prematurely, leading to conditions like anaemia and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). The test involves processing the blood sample to remove any unbound antibodies, then adding a special chemical to detect antibodies that are bound to the RBCs. In cases of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, the degree of clumping indicates the severity of the condition. This test is essential for diagnosing and monitoring blood disorders by determining whether the immune system is attacking RBCs, thereby ensuring the appropriate treatment is administered.

    Direct Coombs Test (DCT) Test Preparation

    When scheduling a Direct Coombs test at home, here is what to keep in mind:

    Prerequisites

    Typically, fasting or any special preparation is not required for the Direct Coombs test.

    Best Time to Get Tested

    You can take the Direct Coombs test at any time during the day.

    Who Should Have the Direct Coombs Test?

    The test is recommended for individuals who exhibit symptoms of anaemia or jaundice, or when a blood transfusion reaction is suspected.

    Cautions Before the Direct Coombs Test

    No specific precautions are necessary before the Direct Coombs test.

    Why Take the Direct Coombs Test (DCT) Test?

    The Direct Coombs test is needed when doctors suspect that the body is producing antibodies that attack its own red blood cells (RBCs), causing them to break down in a process called haemolysis. This can lead to anaemia, a condition where there are not enough healthy RBCs to carry oxygen throughout the body.

    The test is particularly important for diagnosing autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA), a disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks RBCs. It works by detecting antibodies or other substances, such as complement proteins, that may be bound to the RBCs. A positive result indicates that these antibodies are causing the RBCs to rupture.

    The Direct Coombs test is also crucial when a haemolytic transfusion reaction is suspected, where the body reacts negatively to transfused blood. In these instances, the test helps identify the immune response, which can be serious and requires urgent treatment. The test is also used to diagnose erythroblastosis fetalis (haemolytic disease of the newborn, HDN), a condition where a mother’s immune system produces antibodies that attack the RBCs of her baby, leading to jaundice. The test helps determine if the baby needs treatment.

    Additionally, the Direct Coombs test can help detect if infections such as mononucleosis, syphilis, or mycoplasma, or certain medications, are triggering the immune system to produce antibodies that target RBCs. Overall, the Direct Coombs test is a key tool for diagnosing and managing conditions where the immune system attacks RBCs.

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

    The cost of the Direct Coombs test in Hyderabad is ₹800. This includes easy home sample collection within 60 minutes of confirming your booking, and you will receive results within 6 hours of the sample collection.

    Yes, Orange Health Labs facilitates home sample collection for the Direct Coombs test in Hyderabad. Upon booking confirmation, a trained eMedic will collect your sample within 60 minutes, based on the availability of the selected time slot.

    The Direct Coombs test is utilised to detect antibodies attached to red blood cells (RBCs), assisting in the diagnosis of haemolytic anaemia, transfusion reactions, and certain infections.

    In most cases, fasting is not necessary for the Direct Coombs test at home. However, you should adhere to your doctor’s instructions if any particular preparations are required.

    To book a Direct Coombs test with Orange Health Labs, simply do the following:

    • Search for the Test : Visit the Orange Health website and choose the Direct Coombs test available in Hyderabad.

    • Confirm Your Booking : Select the test, check the guidelines, provide your location, and choose a convenient time.

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

    • Laboratory Processing : Your blood sample will be processed at a laboratory approved by ICMR and accredited by NABL.

    • Receive Results : The results will be sent via email or WhatsApp within 6 hours of sample collection and will also be available on the Orange Health app.

    The typical result for the Direct Coombs test is negative, signifying that no antibodies are present on the red blood cells (RBCs). A positive result means that antibodies are attached to the RBCs.

    After your Direct Coombs test booking is confirmed, an eMedic will collect your sample within 60 minutes. You can expect the results online within 6 hours after the sample is collected.

    The need for the Direct Coombs test depends on your health and your doctor’s advice. Please consult your doctor to determine the most appropriate testing frequency for your situation.

    The Direct Coombs test is focused on one parameter – the presence of antibodies on red blood cells (RBCs), and the outcome is usually either positive or negative.

    Orange Health provides convenient home testing services for the Direct Coombs test in Hyderabad, covering areas such as Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, Gachibowli, Madhapur, Tarnaka, Abids, Koti, Mehdipatnam, Dilsukhnagar, Uppal, LB Nagar, Nallagandla, Nizampet, Attapur, Hitech City, Kondapur, Begumpet, Somajiguda, Ameerpet, Panjagutta, Kukatpally, Miyapur, Manikonda, Secunderabad, and Malkajgiri.

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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