The Coombs test.
The Coombs test, established as a clinical tool in 1945 by R.R. Coombs, usually is ordered when hemolytic anemia is suspected or if a transfusion reaction has occurred. An overview of the etiologies of these two conditions will increase oncology nurses' understanding of what is measured with a Coombs test and increase the understandings of why a Coombs test is ordered, what diagnosis is suspected, and what patient populations are at highest risk for transfusion reactions.
Matthews
Jennifer
J
Health Management Solutions at Quintiles, Parsippany, NJ, USA. jennrsed@hotmail.com
Newton
Susie
S
D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D003298:Coombs Test; D006801:Humans