Direct Coombs' is used to detect antibodies already bound to red cells, while in the indirect test, one adds the serum in question to known Rh+ red cells.
	The indirect Coombs' is used to detect antibodies already bound to red cells, while in the direct test, one adds the serum in question to check for anti-red cell antibodies.
	The direct Coombs' test is used to test the mother, whereas an indirect test determines the Rh status of the infant.
	The direct Coombs' test detects anti-human antibodies already bound to red cells, while the indirect Coomb's test detects anti-human antibodies before they bind to red cells.

Immunological Techniques
University of Arizona
douglas.lake@asu.edu

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