Indirect Coombs' Test
Topic Overview
An indirect Coombs' test determines whether there are Reference antibodies Opens New Window to the Reference Rh factor Opens New Window in the mother’s blood.
- A normal (negative) result means that the mother has not developed antibodies against the fetus's blood. A negative Coombs' test indicates that the fetus is not presently in danger from problems relating to Rh incompatibility.
- An abnormal (positive) result means that the mother has developed antibodies to the fetal red blood cells and is Reference sensitized Opens New Window. However, a positive Coombs' test only indicates that an Rh-positive fetus has a possibility of being harmed. A positive test cannot indicate the amount of fetal harm that has occurred or is likely to occur.
If test results show that antibody amounts are increasing during pregnancy, the fetus may be at greater risk of harm.
A fetus who is Rh-negative will not be harmed, even if the mother is sensitized.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference October 20, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference William Gilbert, MD - Maternal and Fetal Medicine |
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