Optimizing The Utilisation of Antiglobulin Testing In a Tertiary Care Centre: A Multi-Departmental Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Antiglobulin testing is a vital tool in immunohematology and transfusion medicine for detecting clinically significant red cell antibodies and supporting safe transfusion practices. This retrospective study evaluated the utilization patterns, diagnostic yield, and appropriateness of antiglobulin testing across multiple departments in a tertiary care center. Laboratory records were reviewed to assess patient demographics, clinical indications, requesting specialties, and test outcomes. Analysis revealed considerable variation in ordering practices and positivity rates among departments. A large proportion of tests were negative, indicating potential overutilization in certain clinical settings, whereas positive results were predominantly associated with hemolytic anemia, transfusion reactions, and autoimmune conditions. The findings suggest that implementing evidence-based testing criteria, clinician education, and regular utilization audits can improve test appropriateness, enhance laboratory efficiency, reduce unnecessary healthcare expenditure, and maintain high standards of patient safety and diagnostic accuracy.

Keywords