Which statement best describes the Indirect Antiglobulin Test (IAT)?

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Multiple Choice

Which statement best describes the Indirect Antiglobulin Test (IAT)?

The main idea is that the indirect antiglobulin test detects antibodies in a patient’s serum by causing them to bind to red cell antigens in vitro. In this test, patient plasma is incubated with test red cells so that any antibodies present can attach to those antigens. After washing away unbound stuff, anti-human globulin is added to reveal whether sensitization occurred; agglutination shows that antibodies capable of reacting with red cell antigens are present in the serum. This is an in vitro process, used for screening and identifying unexpected antibodies before transfusion. This differs from the direct antiglobulin test, which looks for antibodies already bound to red cells inside the patient (in vivo). Bilirubin quantification and hematocrit measurement are unrelated to detecting red cell antibodies.

The main idea is that the indirect antiglobulin test detects antibodies in a patient’s serum by causing them to bind to red cell antigens in vitro. In this test, patient plasma is incubated with test red cells so that any antibodies present can attach to those antigens. After washing away unbound stuff, anti-human globulin is added to reveal whether sensitization occurred; agglutination shows that antibodies capable of reacting with red cell antigens are present in the serum. This is an in vitro process, used for screening and identifying unexpected antibodies before transfusion.

This differs from the direct antiglobulin test, which looks for antibodies already bound to red cells inside the patient (in vivo). Bilirubin quantification and hematocrit measurement are unrelated to detecting red cell antibodies.

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