Laboratory Procedure
Coombs test Audio
[ koomz, kohmz test ]
Subclass of:
Hemagglutination test
Definitions related to coombs test:
  • A hemagglutination test using anti-human globulin (antiglobulin, Coombs reagent) to detect antibodies that react with a subject's red blood cells. The test takes two forms: the direct test is used to diagnose autoimmune hemolytic anemia; the indirect test is used for prenatal Rhesus factor compatibility, blood and tissue typing, and transplant cross-matching.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • A test to detect non-agglutinating ANTIBODIES against ERYTHROCYTES by use of anti-antibodies (the Coombs' reagent.) The direct test is applied to freshly drawn blood to detect antibody bound to circulating red cells. The indirect test is applied to serum to detect the presence of antibodies that can bind to red blood cells.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • (coomb's test) A laboratory test to identify antibodies that can bind to the surface of red blood cells or platelets and destroy them. This test is used to diagnose certain blood disorders in which patients make antibodies to their own red blood cells or platelets. It is also used to determine blood type.
    NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
Try this search on: Farlex, Merriam-Webster, Oxford Dictionary, or Wordnik

This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.