title: The Coombs' test in veterinary medicine: past, present, future.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA. kjw@vetmed.wsu.edu
authors.forename: K Jane
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Wardrop
mesh_terms: D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; D000937:Antigen-Antibody Reactions; D003298:Coombs Test / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000662:veterinary*; D006801:Humans; D007518:Isoantibodies / Q000097:blood; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; D007518:Isoantibodies