In autocontrol testing, which combination is used?

In autocontrol testing, which combination is used?

• A. Donor serum plus donor red blood cells
• B. Patient serum plus patient red blood cells
• C. Donor serum plus patient red blood cells
• D. Patient serum plus donor red blood cells

Answer: (B)

Autocontrol testing uses the patient’s serum tested against the patient’s own red blood cells. This setup checks whether there are autoantibodies that react with the person’s own RBC antigens. A positive autocontrol points to an autoantibody (or a broad panagglutinin) directed against antigens on the patient’s cells, which helps explain why transfusion or crossmatch might be problematic in autoimmune situations. If the autocontrol is negative, it suggests that any antibody detected in screening is more likely an alloantibody against antigens not present on the patient’s own red cells, guiding selection of compatible donor cells.

Autocontrol testing uses the patient’s serum tested against the patient’s own red blood cells. This setup checks whether there are autoantibodies that react with the person’s own RBC antigens. A positive autocontrol points to an autoantibody (or a broad panagglutinin) directed against antigens on the patient’s cells, which helps explain why transfusion or crossmatch might be problematic in autoimmune situations. If the autocontrol is negative, it suggests that any antibody detected in screening is more likely an alloantibody against antigens not present on the patient’s own red cells, guiding selection of compatible donor cells.