A positive Coombs test indicates which condition?

A positive Coombs test indicates which condition?

• A. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
• B. Iron deficiency anemia
• C. Aplastic anemia
• D. Sideroblastic anemia

Answer: (A)

A positive direct Coombs test means antibodies or complement are attached to the surface of red blood cells, indicating immune-mediated destruction. In autoimmune hemolytic anemia, the body's own antibodies (often IgG) target red blood cells, coating them and causing them to be destroyed, typically in the spleen or liver. The direct Coombs test detects exactly this coating, so a positive result is most consistent with autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Iron deficiency anemia, aplastic anemia, and sideroblastic anemia do not involve antibodies binding to red blood cells, so their Coombs tests would not be positive.

A positive direct Coombs test means antibodies or complement are attached to the surface of red blood cells, indicating immune-mediated destruction. In autoimmune hemolytic anemia, the body's own antibodies (often IgG) target red blood cells, coating them and causing them to be destroyed, typically in the spleen or liver. The direct Coombs test detects exactly this coating, so a positive result is most consistent with autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

Iron deficiency anemia, aplastic anemia, and sideroblastic anemia do not involve antibodies binding to red blood cells, so their Coombs tests would not be positive.