Coombs test is performed to predict which complication in a foetus ?

Option 3 : Acute haemolytic disease

Concept:

• Coombs test is also called as antiglobulin test. The Coombs test detect the antibodies that may stick to the red blood cells and cause red blood cells to die too early. 
• Coombs reagent is an antihuman globulin. 
• This test is in two forms:-
  • Direct and Indirect Coombs test.

Explanation:

• Clumping (agglutination) of the blood cells during a direct Coombs test causes the destruction of red blood cells by the immune system called hemolysis.
• This reaction may be due the hemolytic anemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, erythroblastosis fetalis (hemolytic disease of the newborn), systemic lupus erythematous and transfusion reactions etc.

• Physiologic hyperbilirubinemia - is diagnosed through physical examination, bilirubinometer, blood test.
• Metabolic disorder - is diagnosed through blood test to check for abnormal blood glucose and HDL levels.
• Genetic thalassemia - is diagnosed through blood test including CBC and hemoglobin and DNA analysis.