With a positive Direct Antiglobulin test, the next step is to attempt to dissociate (remove) the antibodies that are 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(ies) is coating the red blood cells.
A patient with a warm autoantibody will generally demonstrate panagglutination on the elution.
