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Test Code Antibody Titration Antibody Titration

Useful For

Titration is a semi-quantitative method used to determine the concentration of antibody in a sample or to compare the strength of antigen expression on different red cell samples. The following is a list of some of the primary applications of titration studies:

  1. Estimating antibody activity in an alloimmunized pregnant woman that could be used to decide when to monitor the fetus for HDN by other methods such as amniocentesis.
  2. To characterize antibodies as high titer, low avidity
  3. Separating multiple antibodies by diluting a serum before testing against a panel, effectively removing one antibody and allowing identification of other antibodies.

Patient Preparation

No special patient preparation required

Special Collection Instructions

Sample labeling requirements:
For all patients over the age of four months, when sample is intended for transfusion purposes:

  • A Blood Bank ID armband must be attached to the patient’s wrist at time of blood draw.
  •  
  • The tube may be either labeled by hand at the bedside with ink on an adhesive label or with a computer-generated label. Either label must contain the following information:
    • Complete first and last name. It is acceptable to hand write name if cutoff on computer label.
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    • Medical record number
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    • Date and time of collection
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    • Name or initials of the person collecting the sample.
    •  
    • Blood Bank ID armband identifiers should be on tube, either in sticker form or hand written.

  • NOTE: Sample will need to be redrawn if missing any of the above information.

For patients under the age of four months, when sample is intended for transfusion purposes and/or cord blood samples:

  • Complete first and last name
  •  
  • Medical record number
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  • Date and time of collection
  •  
  • Name or initials of the person collecting the sample.

Collection Method

Venipuncture

Minimum Volume

Adult 4 mL
Pediatric 4 mL

Container

Pink Top EDTA

Preferred Specimen

5 mL EDTA Whole Blood

Acceptable Specimens

EDTA Whole Blood

Reference or Target Ranges

Negative. If positive, result will be reported as the reciprocal of the highest dilution (up to 1024) at which agglutination is observed.

Critical Value

Not defined for this assay

Reasons for Rejection

Hemolysis Threshold Gross hemolysis
Icterus Threshold N/A
Lipemia Threshold N/A
Interfering Substances/Other Missing any of the following: Complete first and last name, Medical record number, Date and time of collection, or Name or initials of the person collecting the sample.

Specimen Stability

Ambient 72 Hours
Refrigerated (4°C to 8°C) 72 Hours
Frozen(-70°C to -20°C) N/A

Performance Information

Days and Time Performed 24/7
Expected Turn Around Time Due to the complex nature of some antibodies, testing may take an extended amount of time and may call for additional testing to be sent out for verification of antibodies.
Stat Availability No
Performing Bench WCH Blood Bank
Methodology/Method Description  
Ortho Vision Analyzer Gel Cards
Manual Gel Cards

CPT Codes

86886