Detect atypical IgG antibodies prior to transfusion or during pregnancy. The technique is designed specifically to detect IgG antibodies, though on occasion, some IgM antibodies may also be detected. Antibodies detected by the antibody screen will be subsequently identified, and a titer performed if the antibody identified is considered to be clinically significant during pregnancy.

No antibody screening test will detect all antibodies. This method may not detect IgM antibodies or antibodies to low frequency antigens. Extremely low-titered antibodies may be detected but may be too weak to identify.

Specimens known to test positive for red cell antibody screening should not be submitted for antibody screen testing. In order to facilitate proper routing and testing, Antibody Identification (006213) should be ordered. This test should not be ordered for the husband or partner of a prenatal patient since antibodies detected in the serum or plasma of these individuals are irrelevant during pregnancy.

Fung MK, Grossman JB, Hillyer CD, Westoff CM, eds. AABB Technical Manual. 18th ed. Bethesda, Md: American Association of Blood Banks;2014.