Determination of anti-erythrocyte antibodies with cold characteristic

General information:

Cold agglutinins are called a certain type of antibodies directed against one's own red blood cells, which react more strongly at low temperatures, below 37 ° C. They cause sticking (agglutination) of erythrocytes at low temperatures. They are normally produced by the body's immune system in response to infections. Healthy people have low levels of cold agglutinins in their blood. Certain infectious agents (Mycoplasma pneumoniae) or hematological diseases (lymphoma) may increase levels. Higher than normal levels of cold agglutinins usually do not cause serious problems. Sometimes, exposure to low temperatures can stop blood flow in the subcutaneous vessels. This is manifested by paleness or bruising and swelling of the hands and feet. Symptoms go away when the skin warms up. Sometimes high levels of cold agglutinins can destroy erythrocytes (red blood cells) in the body. This condition is known as autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
The detection of cold erythroantibodies is a screening and includes a series of tests that provide information about the presence or absence of antibodies with cold characteristics directed at erythrocyte antigens.

Provides information on:

• presence of autoerythroantibodies fixed on erythrocytes - most often complement (directed against antigens of one's own erythrocytes) in autoimmune hemolytic anemias and other autoimmune diseases;
• presence of free autoerythroantibodies with cold characteristics in the serum (directed against antigens of the own erythrocytes) in autoimmune hemolytic anemias and other autoimmune diseases;
• in autoimmune diseases, anti-erythrocyte antibodies are directed against antigens with a high frequency of distribution, they also react in the allo-system (with antigens of foreign erythrocytes)

The following tests are included in the screening:

• agglutination and enzyme test in auto- and allo- system;
• direct Coombs test (auto system) with polyspecific antiglobulin serum;

Proof of cold erythroantibodies is recommended in the following cases:

• autoimmune hemolytic anemias (so-called cold agglutinin disease);
• benign and malignant hematological diseases;
• collagenoses;
• liver diseases;
• solid tumors, etc.;
• in all cases of vague anemic syndrome, especially when a person after exposure to low temperatures has symptoms such as:
• easy fatigue, weakness, lack of tone and energy, pale skin (pallor), dizziness and / or headache, darkening of urine, in some cases, painful bruising of the legs, arms, ears and tip of the nose;

Sample required:

Venous blood

Key words:

determination, anti-erythrocyte antibodies, cold characteristics