With a positive DAT, the next step is to attempt to dissociate (remove) the antibodies attached to the patient's red blood cells. An elution uses a solvent, like acidic glycine, to dissociate the antibodies from the red blood cells, and the eluate (the supernatant fluid) is then tested against donor panel cells to distinguish if an alloantibody is coating the red blood cells.
Schematic of an Elution. (4) A patient with a warm autoantibody will generally demonstrate panagglutination on the elution.
