Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT)
The Direct Antiglobulin Test, or DAT, checks whether red blood cells have been coated with immunoglobulin, complement, or both. Quest describes a positive result as something that can occur with immune-mediated red cell destruction.
About this test
The DAT, also called the direct Coombs test, looks for immunoglobulin or complement coating on red blood cells using an immune agglutination method on a whole blood sample. That coating indicates the cells have been marked by the immune system in some way.
Quest notes that a positive DAT can occur in autoimmune hemolytic anemia, in a transfusion reaction, or in people taking certain drugs. Because several different situations can produce a positive result, a clinician reads it together with symptoms and other findings rather than on its own.
Test details
| Quest code | 361 |
|---|---|
| Methodology | Immune Agglutination |
| Sample type | 5 mL whole blood |
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
Reference range
Negative
Reference ranges are general guidance. The range printed on your own laboratory report is the one that applies to your result.
Related tests and panels
Measures ABO blood group and Rh factor, information associated with Rh immune…
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, a general panel used…
Quest resources
Additional details
What this test looks at
The test reports whether red blood cells carry immunoglobulin, complement, or both on their surface, using an immune agglutination method performed on a whole blood sample collected in an EDTA tube. Quest also lists it as Direct Coombs and Coombs Direct.
How it's often used alongside other tests
Quest describes a positive DAT as associated with several different conditions, including autoimmune hemolytic anemia, transfusion reactions and drug-related effects. Because the result does not by itself point to one cause, a clinician reads it alongside symptoms, history and other laboratory findings.
Order online and a physician order is included — no doctor's visit and no insurance needed. Your sample is collected at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does the DAT measure?
It checks whether red blood cells carry immunoglobulin, complement, or both, using an immune agglutination method on a whole blood sample.
How is the sample collected?
The test uses a whole blood sample collected in an EDTA tube from a routine blood draw at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
No preparation instructions are listed for this test, though people follow any instructions their ordering clinician provides.
What does a positive DAT mean?
Quest describes a positive result as something that can occur with immune-mediated red cell destruction, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, a transfusion reaction, or in people taking certain drugs. A clinician interprets it alongside the full clinical picture.
Is DAT the same as a regular Coombs test?
The DAT is also called the direct Coombs test; both names refer to the same measurement in this product.
What does a Direct Antiglobulin Test test cost without insurance?
$39. Celio Health's price is a flat cash price and insurance is never billed: the required physician's order is included.