Which tests are typically included in a transfusion reaction workup for suspected AHTR?

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In suspected acute hemolytic transfusion reaction, the goal is to confirm immune-mediated destruction of transfused red cells and to rapidly assess the extent and cause. The best workup includes repeating ABO and Rh typing to verify proper donor-recipient compatibility and to catch any mislabeling or mix-ups, plus a direct antiglobulin test to detect antibodies bound to red cells. A crossmatch is also performed to ensure ongoing compatibility between donor cells and the recipient’s current plasma and cells. To gauge the degree of intravascular hemolysis, you look at plasma free hemoglobin, and you monitor hemolysis-related markers such as bilirubin, LDH, and haptoglobin. If infection is a consideration or suspected, cultures are obtained to evaluate for septic transfusion or other infectious processes. This combination provides verification of compatibility, evidence of hemolysis, and guidance for management, which a narrower test set would not comprehensively address.