Why get tested?
To screen and monitor diseases or conditions that result in destruction of red blood cells such as haemolytic anaemia, transfusion reactions and haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN).

When to get tested?
If your doctor suspects that your immune system may be destroying your red blood cells. This may be indicated by anaemia (low haemoglobin or red cell count), small red blood cells (microcytic anaemia) and other signs of red blood cell destruction.

In newborn babies this can occur due to antibodies from the mother attacking the baby’s red blood cells either before, or immediately after, birth.

Sample required?
The direct antiglobulin test is performed on a blood sample taken by a needle placed in a vein in the arm or by a finger-prick (for children and adults) or heel-prick (for infants).