Clinical Significance

The antibody screen test is used in the detection of unexpected blood group antibodies. In this test, the reagent red blood cells in a hypotonic, buffered, saline solution are combined with patient plasma/serum to allow antigen and antibody interaction. The detection of antibody(ies) occurs when the antigen on cells binds with antibody in plasma and forms an agglutinate that is observed in a glass tubr or MTS card microtube.

AABB standards requires that the plasma or serum of every blood recipient be tested for clinically significant, unexpected antibodies as part of pre-transfusion testing. Antibodies that are reactive at 37°C and/or in the AHG phase are morel ikely to be clinically significant.