What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained fatigue, pale skin, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine, which can be signs that your body is destroying red blood cells too quickly. It's also useful if you've recently had a blood transfusion and are having a reaction, or if you take a medication known to sometimes trigger red blood cell problems. The test checks whether your immune system is mistakenly attacking your own red blood cells.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account, with a clear explanation of what a positive or negative result means. If your result is positive, next steps often include retesting to confirm the finding and looking at recent medications, illnesses, or transfusions that could explain it; if you have severe symptoms like extreme fatigue, rapid heartbeat, or shortness of breath, seek medical care right away. You can download the standard lab report from your account at any time, and if you retest in the future, you'll be able to track changes over time using the trends feature.

Who should consider this test?

This test makes sense for people with symptoms of anemia that came on quickly, such as unusual tiredness, pale or yellowish skin, or dark-colored urine. It's also commonly used after a blood transfusion if you develop fever, chills, or back pain during or after the transfusion. People starting certain medications linked to red blood cell breakdown may also want this test as a check-in.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for sudden tiredness or weakness, skin or eyes turning yellow (jaundice), dark tea-colored urine, a rapid heartbeat, or shortness of breath. Fever or chills during or shortly after a blood transfusion are also key warning signs. These symptoms can point to red blood cells being destroyed faster than your body can replace them.

What is autoimmune hemolytic anemia and why does it matter?

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia happens when your immune system makes antibodies that mistakenly attack and destroy your own red blood cells. This matters because red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body, so losing too many too quickly can leave you feeling exhausted, dizzy, or short of breath. Catching it early helps you understand what's happening in your body and take appropriate next steps sooner.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means your red blood cells have antibodies or immune proteins attached to them, which is a sign your immune system may be attacking them. This can happen because of an autoimmune condition, a reaction to a recent blood transfusion, or as a side effect of certain medications. The report will walk you through what a positive finding typically indicates so you know what to look into next.

What causes a positive DAT result?

Common causes include autoimmune conditions where the body produces antibodies against its own red blood cells, reactions following a blood transfusion, certain infections, and some medications like penicillin or certain blood pressure drugs. Reviewing any recent transfusions, new medications, or illnesses can help narrow down the likely cause. Retesting after stopping a suspected medication can also help clarify the picture.

How often should I retest?

If your result is positive and tied to a specific medication or recent transfusion, retesting after the trigger is removed or resolved (often a few weeks later) can show whether the issue is going away. If you have an ongoing condition affecting your red blood cells, periodic retesting every few months can help you track whether things are improving or getting worse. Your healthcare situation and symptoms should guide the exact timing.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

Start by noting any recent medications, illnesses, or transfusions that might explain the result, since removing a trigger can sometimes resolve the issue on its own. Keep track of your symptoms like fatigue, paleness, or dark urine, and consider a follow-up test to see if the result changes over time. If you notice severe symptoms such as chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or fainting, seek medical care immediately.

How can I naturally support healthy red blood cell function?

Eating iron-rich foods like leafy greens, beans, and lean meats supports healthy red blood cell production, while foods rich in vitamin B12 and folate (eggs, dairy, fortified cereals) also help. Staying well-hydrated and getting enough rest can help your body recover if red blood cells are being broken down faster than normal. These steps support overall blood health but don't replace addressing the underlying cause of a positive result.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT) - Coombs Blood Test

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT) - Coombs Blood Test