Coombs (Direct Antiglobulin Test)

Testing Laboratories

Waitematā | Northshore Hospital
Waitematā | Waitakere Hospital

Department

Blood Bank

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

DAT

Test Code (Numeric Code)

1900

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

Please send two separate EDTA tubes (a pink and a lavender top) if a full blood count is also requested

Sample Stability

7 days

Synonyms

Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT)

Turnaround Time

1 day

Specimen Type

  • Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Cross Match (Pink Cap)
Acceptable
  • EDTA (Lavender Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

6

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • EDTA (Lavender Cap)
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Pre-testing Requirements

Collection instructions:
6 mL EDTA tube (pink top)
Handwritten specimen label, date/time, signature.
Micro collect - 500 ul blood in EDTA microtainer - only for children up to 4 years
Available 24 hours
Test performed in Blood Bank

Use the NZBS request form 111F01804 or blue Counties Manukau laboratory request form.
Give FULL identification - Sample must contain 3 types of identification. These are:
1. Patient's full name (surname and first names)
2. Patient's date of birth
3. Patient's NHI number
Sample must be signed and details must be hand written on the tube - no sticky labels.

Include number and date of any previous transfusions or pregnancies and any antibodies present.

Please send two separate EDTA tubes (a pink and a purple top) if a full blood count is also requested.
Laboratory instruction:
Please always send EDTA sample to Haematology BEFORE blood bank.

Last updated: 20/04/2026