In an indirect Coombs test, what blood is evaluated?

In an indirect Coombs test, the blood that is evaluated is the mother's blood. This test is important for detecting antibodies in the mother's serum that could potentially harm the fetus during pregnancy or after delivery, particularly in cases of Rh incompatibility.

The test works by mixing the mother's serum with red blood cells that are known to have specific antigens on their surface. If the mother has developed antibodies against these antigens, agglutination will occur, indicating a positive result. This is crucial for identifying potential risks for hemolytic disease of the newborn, which can arise when the mother's immune system reacts against the fetal red blood cells due to these antibodies.

Understanding the role of the mother's blood in this test is foundational for managing risks associated with blood group incompatibilities and ensuring the safe care of both mother and baby during pregnancy and labor.