Positive direct antiglobulin test in COVID-19 patients: Decision-making process

Abstract

In this unprecedented crisis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and its associated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), polymerase chain reaction and then serological testing platforms have been massively developed to face the important screening demand. Polymerase chain reaction and serological testing platforms are not the only actors impacted by the crisis, transfusion services are facing important difficulties. A positive direct antiglobulin test is frequently observed for patients encountering COVID-19. Patients with severe symptoms may develop anaemia and become good candidates for blood transfusions. The interpretation of a positive direct antiglobulin test for patients recently transfused and suffering from COVID-19 is complex. The differentiation between COVID-19 induced antibodies and possible associated transfusion alloantibodies is therefore crucial. In this context, the elution technique incorporated in an appropriate decision-making process plays its full role. This intricate topic is presented through a case report followed by literature review and finally decision-making process for COVID-19 patients necessitating red blood cells administration.

Direct antiglobulin test type, red blood cell distribution width, and estimated glomerular filtration rate for early prediction of in-hospital mortality of patients with COVID-19

“…Almost all patients in these studies showed positive DAT with IgG, C3d, and IgG+C3d antibodies. These studies also indicate a high prevalence of DAT positivity in patients with COVID-19, confirming that cases of hemolysis tend to present with IgG+C3d or C 3 d [10] , [11] . However, the mechanism underlying DAT positivity in patients with COVID-19 remains unclear.…”

Blood Transfusion in Covid-19 Patients: One Year Survey

“…Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, many chronic patients and elective surgical procedures have been postponed to create spaces for the hospitalization of COVID-19 patients. The need for transfusion support in COVID-19 patients was not known (1)(2)(3)(4).…”