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Correct Answer: auto-antibodies
the correct answer is **auto-antibodies**. the coombs test, also known as the antiglobulin test, is specifically designed to detect antibodies that an individual's immune system has produced against their own red blood cells. these antibodies are called auto-antibodies, and their presence in the blood can lead to conditions such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia, where the body mistakenly destroys its own red blood cells.
there are two main types of the coombs test: the direct coombs test and the indirect coombs test. the direct coombs test is used to detect antibodies that are already bound to the surface of red blood cells in the body. it is commonly employed when a person shows signs of hemolysis, or the breaking down of red blood cells, which can lead to anemia. this test helps in diagnosing conditions such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia or erythroblastosis fetalis, a condition that affects newborns.
on the other hand, the indirect coombs test is used primarily for screening for antibodies that are free-floating in a patient's serum, not yet attached to red blood cells. this is particularly important in the context of blood transfusions and pregnancy. before a blood transfusion, the indirect coombs test can help ensure compatibility between the donor's red blood cells and the recipient's serum. in pregnancy, it is used to detect antibodies in a mother's blood that could cross the placenta and attack the red blood cells of the fetus, leading to hemolytic disease of the newborn.
in summary, the coombs test is crucial for detecting auto-antibodies that target red blood cells, either already attached (direct test) or free-floating (indirect test). this test plays a significant role in diagnosing and managing conditions related to immune-mediated hemolysis and in ensuring safe blood transfusions and pregnancy management.
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