Investigation of cold agglutinins
| Category | Blood Transfusion |
|---|---|
| Test background |
Cold agglutinins are autoantibodies that react with antigens on the red blood cell surface. They may induce complement-mediated haemolysis and agglutination (clumping) of red cells (a cryopathic haemolytic syndrome), causing haemolysis and red cell destruction in the reticuloendothelial system or the agglutination of red cells in peripheral cold-exposed vessels leading to vaso-occlusion. |
| Clinical Indications |
This test can sometimes be helpful when a cold autoantibody is suspected, but the diagnosis can often be made from examining a blood film without any complex serological testing. |
| Reference range | Not applicable |
| Sample & container required | Contact the laboratory to discuss |
| Sample volume | Contact the laboratory to discuss |
| Turnaround time | Dependent on clinical requirement. Contact the laboratory to discuss further. |
| Notes | Sample will be referred to the NHS Blood and Transplant service for testing |