Antibody Tests

Coombs' Test, Indirect Coombs' Test

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

• Having a blood transfusion in the past.
• Having a dextran injection, or a recent X-ray with contrast material given in a vein (intravenously, or IV).
• Being pregnant in the past 3 months.
• Taking some medicines, such as cephalosporins, sulfa medicines, tuberculosis medicines, insulin, and tetracyclines.

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Author:	Douglas Dana Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: November 30, 2006
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
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