In this mechanism, the drug modifies the RBC membrane, allowing the cell to adsorb proteins in a non-specific manner. The uptake of immunoglobulins and complement proteins is not a result of a specific antigen-antibody reaction. The DAT may be coated with both IgG and complement proteins. The eluate is non-reactive.
The only drugs known to cause a positive DAT through this mechanism are cephalosporins. This mechanism is rarely associated with decreased RBC survival.
Medications commonly implicated in the non-immune adsorption of protein mechanism include:
- Cephalothin
- Cisplatin
- Suramin
