Which of the following is the classic application of the INDIRECT Coombs (indirect antiglobulin) test?

• A Typing of ABO groups using monoclonal antisera
• B Demonstration of antibody on transfused donor cells after a haemolytic reaction
• C Confirmation of paroxysmal cold haemoglobinuria by Donath-Landsteiner testing
• D Detection of D antigen incompatibility by testing maternal serum against known Rh positive red cells ✓

Explanation

The indirect Coombs test looks for free circulating antibody in serum by incubating it with indicator red cells of known antigen type, then adding antihuman globulin. Its standard uses are antenatal antibody screening in an Rh negative mother and pre-transfusion crossmatching. The direct test, not the indirect, shows in-vivo coated cells as in a haemolytic transfusion reaction or autoimmune haemolysis.

Reference: Ananthanarayan and Paniker's Textbook of Microbiology, 11th ed.

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