A complete medical history is important when investigating drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia. Patient diagnosis and information about previous transfusions, pregnancies, and medications should be obtained.
- A DAT should be performed with monospecific reagents.
- Patient serum should be tested for the presence of alloantibodies by using routine procedures.
- If no reactivity is observed, the test may be repeated in the presence of the drug.
- Normal red cells can also be treated and coated with the drug. Negative and positive controls must be tested when using drug-treated red cells. This ensures that any reactivity is interpreted accurately.
