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The Coombs' test in veterinary medicine: past, present, future
Author(s) -
Wardrop K. Jane
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
veterinary clinical pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.537
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1939-165X
pISSN - 0275-6382
DOI - 10.1111/j.1939-165x.2005.tb00057.x
Subject(s) - coombs test , medicine , transfusion medicine , human medicine , veterinary medicine , immunology , test (biology) , hematology , antibody , blood transfusion , traditional medicine , biology , paleontology
The Coombs' test, also known as the antiglobulin test, is used most frequently in veterinary medicine as an aid in the diagnosis of immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia. The test also is used widely in human medicine to screen for red blood cell alloantibodies. Polyspecific reagents for veterinary use typically contain anti‐IgG, anti‐IgM, and anti‐C3. Monospecific reagents also are available. False‐positive and false‐negative test results can be obtained. Inadequate sensitivity of the standard test in human and veterinary medicine has necessitated development of alternate, more sensitive technologies.