Coombs test

noun

Either of two clinical blood tests used in immunohematology and immunology. The direct Coombs test tests for autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The indirect Coombs test detects antibodies against red blood cells that are present unbound in the patient's serum.

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Meanings

nounCoombs test (plural Coombs tests)

plural Coombs tests

  1. Either of two clinical blood tests used in immunohematology and immunology. The direct Coombs test tests for autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The indirect Coombs test detects antibodies against red blood cells that are present unbound in the patient's serum.

Origin

First described in 1945 by Cambridge immunologist Robin Coombs and colleagues.

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Cite this entry
APA

Coombs test. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Coombs%20test

MLA

“Coombs test.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Coombs%20test. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Coombs test,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Coombs%20test.

Source: Coombs test on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.