Direct Antiglobulin Test (Blood)

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

3 days at 2-6 degrees °C

Synonyms

Coombs Test, DAT

Turnaround Time

1 hour

Specimen Type

  • Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Cross Match (Pink Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

7

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • EDTA (Microtainer)
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Pre-testing Requirements

Use the NZBS request form 111F15903. 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 handwritten on the tube. Strictly NO STICKY LABELS.

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

Additional Specimen Information

7 mL EDTA tube (pink top)
Microcollect: 500 µL in EDTA microtainer - ONLY for children up to 4 years

Last updated: 24/07/2026