Canine Anti-Globulin Test

The anti-globulin or Coombs' test is widely used to detect the presence of antibody in the diagnosis of autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Antibody alone or in the presence of complement injures the cell membrane permitting leakage of RBC material, allowing recognition by the reticuloendothelial cells, thereby leading to phagocytosis and destruction of RBC's. Anti-globulin reagent (Coombs' serum) is prepared by immunizing rabbits with canine IgG, IgM and C3 purified from normal serum. The resulting whole antiserum is heat treated to inactivate complement and is adsorbed with normal pooled canine erythrocytes to remove nonspecific agglutinins.

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