Name of the Procedure:

Hemolysins and Agglutinins; Incubated

Summary

This test measures the presence of specific antibodies known as hemolysins and agglutinins in your blood. These antibodies could cause red blood cells to break apart (hemolyze) or clump together (agglutinate). The test involves taking a blood sample and incubating it to observe these reactions.

Purpose

The test is often used to diagnose autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), a condition where your body's immune system attacks its own red blood cells. The goal is to identify the presence of these antibodies to better understand and manage the underlying condition.

Indications

• Symptoms of anemia such as fatigue, weakness, and pallor
• Unexplained jaundice
• Unusually dark urine
• Patients with known autoimmune conditions
• Unexplained splenomegaly (enlarged spleen)

Preparation

• No specific preparations such as fasting are generally required for the test.
• Inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking.
• Diagnostic tests like a full blood count may be done prior to this test.

Procedure Description

1. A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample, usually from a vein in your arm.
2. The sample will be taken to a laboratory where it will be incubated under controlled conditions.
3. In the lab, the blood will be tested for hemolysins and agglutinins by exposing it to specific agents and observing the reactions.
4. Results are measured based on the degree of hemolysis or agglutination observed.

Duration

The blood draw itself takes about 5-10 minutes. The incubation and analysis in the lab can take several hours to a few days.

Setting

The blood sample is usually collected in a hospital or outpatient clinic. The actual lab work is done in a clinical laboratory.

Personnel

• Phlebotomist or nurse for blood draw
• Clinical laboratory technologists or pathologists for analyzing the sample

Risks and Complications

• Slight risk of infection at the puncture site
• Minor bruising or pain at the site of the blood draw
• Rare risk of fainting or light-headedness during or after the blood draw

Benefits

• Helps diagnose autoimmune hemolytic anemia and other related conditions.
• Provides critical information that can guide appropriate treatment.

Recovery

• No specific recovery needed; you can usually resume normal activities immediately.
• Keep the puncture site clean and dry to prevent infection.
• Follow-up with your healthcare provider to discuss the results and next steps.

Alternatives

• Direct antiglobulin test (Coombs test)
• Reticulocyte count
• Complement levels
• Consider the benefits and limitations of these alternatives with your healthcare provider.

Patient Experience

• You may feel a small prick when the needle is inserted for the blood draw.
• Any discomfort during the blood draw is usually minimal and temporary.
• Results discussion will occur during a follow-up appointment, where your doctor will explain what the results mean and plan any further steps.

[End of Procedure Description]