Annie Bauzon: Differentiating Direct and Indirect Coombs Tests in Hematology
Annie Bauzon, Volunteer at Canadian Blood Services, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Coombs Test: Same RBCs, Different Questions!
Do you know the difference between the Direct and Indirect Coombs Tests? Understanding this distinction is essential for every Medical Laboratory Scientist!
Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT)
Detects IgG antibodies and/or complement (C3) attached to red blood cells in vivo.
Indirect Antiglobulin Test (IAT)
Detects antibodies in the patient’s serum that may react with red blood cell antigens.
High-Yield Hematology Points:
- DAT: Important in investigating autoimmune hemolytic anemia and hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn.
- IAT: Used in pre-transfusion antibody screening and compatibility testing.
- A positive DAT does not automatically mean active hemolysis.
- Always correlate results with CBC, reticulocyte count, LDH, indirect bilirubin, and haptoglobin.
Remember: Detecting antibodies is not the same as proving red blood cell destruction!
Strengthen your Hematology knowledge and prepare smarter for your medical laboratory certification exams with Scientists Academy.
Positive Impact, Enjoy The Difference.”

Find more posts featuring Annie Bauzon on Hemostasis Today.
-
Oct 12, 2026, 17:15Cedric Hermans: Identifying and Diagnosing Hemophilia Carriers and Affected Females
-
Oct 12, 2026, 17:01Bianca Rocca: Evaluating Factor XI Inhibition Lessons from LIBREXIA-ACS
-
Oct 12, 2026, 13:58Francisco Chacón-Lozsán: Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome A Rapidly Progressive Multiorgan Thrombotic Emergency
-
Oct 12, 2026, 12:50Nawsherwan Mohammad: Study Examines Thrombotic Events in Patients with Polycythemia Vera in Iraq
-
Oct 12, 2026, 12:30Chanakya Nayudu: Looking Beyond Blood Clots – Patient-Reported Outcomes in Antiphospholipid Syndrome
-
Oct 12, 2026, 12:12Jean-Jacques Kiladjian: Improving Treatment Strategies with JAK Inhibitors in Myelofibrosis
-
Oct 12, 2026, 12:04Chloe Homich: AABB Annual Meetings – Building Connections and Advancing Transfusion Medicine
-
Oct 12, 2026, 11:51Daniel Sop: Sickle Cell Research Takes Center Stage at ASCAT 2026
-
Oct 12, 2026, 10:36PAI-1 Inhibition as a New Strategy for Enhancing Fibrinolysis and Clot Resolution