Febrile/cold agglutinins

Febrile/Cold Agglutinins: Overview

Febrile/cold agglutinins are a type of antibody typically found in patients with certain bacterial infections. The antibodies are mostly seen during acute or chronic infections, and they typically bind to red blood cells at temperatures lower than normal body temperature.

Febrile/cold agglutinins can cause hemolytic anemia, a condition in which red blood cells break down faster than the body can make new ones, leading to a decrease in oxygen-carrying oxygen to vital organs and tissues.

Preparation for Testing

Testing for febrile/cold agglutinins typically requires that a patient provide a sample of their blood. It is important for the patient to stay hydrated prior to the test, and to inform the doctor of any medications they are taking as some medications can interfere with the results.

Procedure

The procedure for testing for febrile/cold agglutinins typically begins with the doctor drawing a sample of blood from the patient. The sample is then placed in a test tube and is chilled to a temperature lower than that of body temperature. The temperature will cause the agglutinins to attach themselves to the red blood cells. The red blood cells are then examined for signs of agglutination. If agglutination is present, the presence of febrile/ cold agglutinins is confirmed and further testing can be done to determine the cause of the agglutinins.

Types of Febrile/Cold Agglutinins

There are two main types of febrile/cold agglutinins: IgG and IgM. IgG is the most common type and is responsible for most agglutinin reactions. IgM is typically seen in patients with chronic infections, and it is responsible for causing more severe reactions.

Risks

The risks associated with febrile/cold agglutinins testing are generally minimal. There is some risk associated with the drawing of blood, but this is a common risk associated with most blood tests.

Why Test for Febrile/Cold Agglutinins?

Testing for febrile/cold agglutinins is typically done in order to diagnose possible bacterial infections. A positive result can help a doctor to determine the cause of the infection, which can then be treated with appropriate antibiotics.

When to Test for Febrile/Cold Agglutinins

Febrile/cold agglutinins testing is typically done when a patient presents with symptoms of an infection, such as fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. The test should also be done when a patient’s red blood cells are not functioning properly.