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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 procedure used to detect antibodies that attach to red blood cells (RBCs) and cause them to break apart (haemolysis). This test is crucial for diagnosing certain blood disorders, such as autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA).

    In AIHA, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own RBCs, leading to a decrease in RBC count. Symptoms of AIHA include fatigue, pale skin, difficulty breathing, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). The Direct Coombs test (DCT) helps determine whether the immune system is responsible for these issues.

    A blood sample is needed for the test. A positive result means antibodies are present on the RBCs. This can occur in conditions like autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, as well as due to certain medications or autoimmune diseases such as lupus. If you're in Bangalore, you can undergo the DCT Test in the city for early detection and effective management of your condition.

    Direct Coombs Test (DCT) Test Parameters

    The Direct Coombs test measures 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). During the test, a blood sample is processed to remove any unbound antibodies, and a special chemical is then added to detect those that are bound to the RBCs. In cases of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, the extent of clumping helps assess the severity of the condition. This test is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring blood-related disorders, as it determines whether the immune system is attacking the RBCs, enabling appropriate treatment to be administered.

    Direct Coombs Test (DCT) Test Preparation

    When arranging a Direct Coombs test at home, here are a few important points to keep in mind:

    Prerequisites

    Generally, no fasting or special preparation is needed before the Direct Coombs test.

    Best Time to Get Tested

    The Direct Coombs test can be taken at any time during the day.

    Who Should Get a Direct Coombs Test

    The test is recommended if you are experiencing symptoms of anaemia or jaundice, or if a blood transfusion reaction is suspected.

    Cautions Before Taking the Direct Coombs Test

    No specific precautions are required before undergoing the Direct Coombs test.

    Why Take the Direct Coombs Test (DCT) Test?

    The Direct Coombs test is necessary when doctors suspect a condition in which the body produces antibodies against its own red blood cells (RBCs), causing them to break down. This process, known as haemolysis, can lead to anaemia, a condition where there aren't enough healthy RBCs to carry oxygen throughout the body.

    The test is especially useful for diagnosing autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA), a disorder in which the immune system attacks the body’s own RBCs. It works by detecting antibodies or other substances, such as complement proteins, that may be bound to the surface of the RBCs. A positive result suggests that these antibodies are causing the destruction of RBCs.

    The Direct Coombs test is also important if a haemolytic transfusion reaction is suspected, where the body reacts negatively to transfused blood. In such cases, the test helps identify the immune response, which can be severe and requires prompt treatment. It is also used to diagnose erythroblastosis fetalis (haemolytic disease of the newborn, HDN), where a mother’s immune system produces antibodies against her baby’s RBCs, leading to conditions such as jaundice. The Direct Coombs test helps doctors determine if this is occurring and whether the baby needs treatment.

    Additionally, the test can identify if infections such as mononucleosis (a viral illness), syphilis (a bacterial infection), or mycoplasma (a type of bacteria), or certain medications, are triggering the production of antibodies that attack RBCs. In summary, the Direct Coombs test is an essential tool for diagnosing and managing conditions where the immune system mistakenly targets RBCs.

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

    The cost of the Direct Coombs test in Bangalore is ₹800. This includes convenient home sample collection within 60 minutes after booking confirmation, with results delivered within 6 hours of sample collection.

    Yes, Orange Health Labs provides home sample collection for the Direct Coombs test in Bangalore. Once your booking is confirmed, a trained eMedic will collect your sample within 60 minutes, subject to slot availability.

    The Direct Coombs test is used to identify antibodies attached to red blood cells (RBCs), aiding in the diagnosis of conditions such as haemolytic anaemia, transfusion reactions, and specific infections.

    Fasting is typically not necessary for the Direct Coombs test at home. However, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions if any specific preparations are required.

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

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

    • Confirm Your Booking : Choose the test, review the guidelines, enter your location, and select a convenient time.

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

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

    • Receive Results : Results will be sent to you via email or WhatsApp within 6 hours of sample collection and can also be accessed through the Orange Health app.

    The normal result for the Direct Coombs test is negative, indicating that no antibodies are attached to red blood cells (RBCs). A positive result, however, signifies the presence of antibodies.

    Once your booking for the Direct Coombs test is confirmed, an eMedic will collect your sample within 60 minutes. The results are usually available online within 6 hours of sample collection.

    The frequency of the Direct Coombs test depends on your health condition and your doctor’s advice. Consult your doctor to establish the most suitable testing schedule for you.

    The Direct Coombs test evaluates a single parameter – the presence of antibodies attached to red blood cells (RBCs), with results typically being either positive or negative.

    Orange Health provides convenient home testing services for the Direct Coombs test in Bangalore, covering areas such as Colaba, Dadar, Parel, Byculla, Bandra, Andheri, Juhu, Ghatkopar, Powai, Chembur, Vashi, Belapur, Santacruz, Khar, Versova, Lokhandwala, Goregaon, Borivali, Kandivali, Mulund, Bhandup, Nariman Point, Marine Drive, Malabar Hill, Churchgate, Worli, and Kurla.

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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