Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT)

Test description

This test is performed to determine whether a patient’s red blood cells have been sensitized in vivo with immunoglobulin, complement, or both. The DAT is used most commonly to investigate possible hemolytic transfusion reactions, Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN), autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and drug-induced immune hemolysis. Monospecific AHG reagents are available to differentiate the DAT reaction, such as anti-IgG, -IgA, -IgM, -C3c, and -C3d. The use of monospecific AHG reagents and clinical significance of a DAT result are determined based on the patient's clinical history, diagnoses, and other laboratory test results.

Direct Antiglobulin Test (PDF)

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Specimen and requisition requirements

Specimen(s):
One full (1) (preferably two (2)) 5-7 ml EDTA (lavender) tubes mixed thoroughly by gentle agitation. Within 14 days of collection.
Label specimen with the required minimum information: patient’s last name, first name, middle name, PHN or unique identifier and date of collection.

Complete Requisition (must include):

Patient’s last name, first name, middle name, PHN or unique identifier and date of birth
Facility name, complete address, phone and fax number
Phlebotomist ID information
Date of collection

Requisitions

Request for Serological Investigation (PDF)
(Electronic Fillable Form)

Demande D'Investigation Serologique (PDF)
(Peut être rempli en ligne)

Pre-shipping storage

Recommended Refrigeration 1-10°C

Shipping instructions

Submit samples as soon as possible after collection.

Shipping
Ship in a container that will maintain temperature 4^oC to 25^oC.
Select shipping method for container to arrive at testing site within 48 hours.

Sample must be received at testing site within 14 days of collection.

Note: Protect from freezing.

Send to

Canadian Blood Services
National Immunohematology Reference Laboratory (NIRL)
100 Parkshore Drive
Brampton, ON, L6T 5M1
Tel: 905-494-5295
Fax: 905-494- 8131