What does the Red Blood Cell Antibody Screen test measure?

Why is Red Blood Cell Antibody Screen measured?

A positive screen triggers a reflex cascade to identify the specific antibody, quantify its titre (a measure of concentration and clinical significance), and determine which red-cell antigens the patient carries. This information is critical for safe transfusion — antigen-negative blood must be selected — and for obstetric management, since maternal IgG antibodies can cross the placenta and cause haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn.

Reference ranges

Standard reference

Negative for clinically significant antibodies; titre reported as reciprocal dilution (e.g. 1:2, 1:4) if positive.

Functional medicine optimal

Negative. Any clinically significant antibody detected warrants identification and, where relevant, antigen-negative blood or obstetric monitoring.

Units

Positive/Negative, titre (if reflex positive)

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.