Antibody Screen is a transfusion medicine test run on a single lavender-top (LAV) blood specimen. It checks the patient’s sample for unexpected red blood cell antibodies. The requesting physician orders it with order code ABSCR on the Clinical Hematology requisition.
At a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Test name | Antibody Screen (ABSCR) |
| Category | Transfusion medicine |
| Specimen | Blood (LAV) |
| Turnaround | 24-48 hours from receipt of sample |
| Ordered by | Requesting physician |
Methodology and CPT code are not published for this test. Contact us for either.
What it detects
The screen looks for unexpected red blood cell antibodies in the patient’s blood. Specific antibody specificities and a target list are not published here. Blood group (ABO) and RH typing is a separate order on the same requisition (order code ABO, LAV).
When to order it
Order it when your clinical workflow calls for red cell antibody detection. That typically means transfusion medicine work, including pretransfusion testing, prenatal care, and surgical type and screen. Order the ABO and RH type separately if you need it alongside the screen.
Specimen collection
- Container: Lavender-top (LAV) blood tube.
- Volume, handling and stability: Not documented here. Confirm with the lab before collection.
Understanding the report
Results are returned 24-48 hours from the time we receive the sample. Details of the report layout for ABSCR are not published here. If you need them before you start ordering, contact the lab.
Why order it from Total Lab Solutions
- Defined turnaround: 24-48 hours from receipt of sample, stated up front so you can plan around it.
- One requisition: Antibody Screen (ABSCR) and Blood Group (ABO) and RH Type both appear on the Clinical Hematology requisition, each as a LAV specimen.
- One lab for the wider menu: TLS offers 9 hematologic panels and 90+ individual tests. Browse the full testing panel list.
- Two locations: Troy, MI and Spring, TX.
Frequently asked questions
What does an antibody screen (ABSCR) detect, and how does it differ from an antibody identification panel?
An antibody screen checks a patient’s blood sample for unexpected red blood cell antibodies. Our documents do not describe an antibody identification panel or how it compares with the screen. Contact the lab if you need to discuss follow-up testing.
When should an antibody screen be ordered, such as for pretransfusion testing, prenatal care, or surgical type and screen?
The requesting physician orders it using order code ABSCR. The decision on when to order rests with your clinical judgment and protocols. Our documents do not set ordering criteria for specific scenarios. If you also need ABO and RH typing, order it separately (code ABO).
What specimen type, collection requirements, and stability limits apply to antibody screen testing?
The specimen is blood collected in a lavender-top (LAV) tube. Collection volume and stability limits are not documented here. Confirm them with the lab before you collect.
What is the typical turnaround time for an antibody screen, and what happens if the result is positive?
Turnaround is 24-48 hours from receipt of the sample. Our documents do not describe positive-result workflows, so contact the lab to discuss how a positive result would be handled.
How long is an antibody screen valid before a new sample is required for a patient who was recently pregnant or transfused?
Our documents do not specify a validity window. Follow your facility’s transfusion service policy and applicable standards, and contact the lab with sample-timing questions through our contact page.
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