Direct Anti-Globulin Test and Clinical Diagnosis

This chapter focuses on anti-red blood cells antibody and anti-globulin test. The relationship between warm or cold antibody and hemolysis is explained. Direct anti-globulin test (DAT) is a useful clinical examination tool on the diagnosis of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA); however, false positive or negative results are sometimes detected. This chapter shows the disposition about the surroundings of the IgG antibody in DAT examination. In addition, this chapter contains pointing issue on the diagnosis of AIHA. Some pitfalls about diagnostic AIHA are presented from our experienced cases. To diagnose the background diseases such as lymphoproliferative disorders or autoimmune diseases under the analysis of secondary AIHA is important.