Coombs control cells are red blood cells coated with which antibody?

Prepare for the AAB Medical Technologist (MT) Generalist Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to boost your understanding. Get exam-ready now!

The correct choice is IgG because Coombs control cells are specifically used in the Antiglobulin test (Coombs test) to verify the performance of the test by ensuring that the reagents used can detect IgG-coated red blood cells. The presence of IgG antibodies on the surface of these control cells allows for the agglutination to occur when exposed to Coombs reagent, which contains anti-IgG.

In the context of blood banking and immunohematology, IgG is the most relevant isotype when testing for sensitization of red blood cells, particularly in cases of hemolytic anemias or transfusion reactions. These control cells serve as a benchmark to confirm that the test is working correctly, and that any agglutination observed in a patient sample is indeed due to the presence of IgG-coated red blood cells, not a problem with the reagents used or the testing procedure itself.

Other antibody classes like IgM, IgA, or IgE do not play a role in the context of Coombs control cells for this specific test. IgM generally reacts well at lower temperatures and is less involved in the agglutination processes related to red blood cells in this scenario, while IgA and Ig

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