Type of test Blood
Normal findings
Negative for neutrophil antibodies
Test explanation and related physiology
Neutrophil antibodies are antibodies directed toward white blood cells (WBCs). They develop during blood transfusions or transplacental bleeds and sometimes in patients with autoimmune disorders. Patients who experience a transfusion reaction despite complete compatibility testing before blood administration should have a neutrophil antibody screen to see if WBC incompatibility is the source of the reaction. This test is most commonly a part of posttransfusion antibody screening, which is a battery of testing performed if a transfusion reaction is suspected. It is also used in infants in the evaluation of unexplained neutropenia and in patients with suspected or known autoimmune disease.
Most commonly, in blood transfusion reactions, the recipient has antibodies to the donor WBCs and experiences a fever during transfusion. More severe, however, is the reaction when the donor plasma contains antibodies to the recipient’s WBCs. This nonhemolytic reaction can lead to severe transfusion reactions, including acute pulmonary failure (transfusion-related acute lung injury [TRALI]) and multiorgan system failure.
Interfering factors
• Recent administration of dextran
• Recent administration of intravenous (IV) contrast media
• Blood transfusion in the past 3 months
Procedure and patient care
• See inside front cover for Routine Blood Testing.
• Fasting: no
• Blood tube commonly used: red or lavender
Abnormal findings
- TRALI
- Alloimmune neonatal neutropenia
- Autoimmune neutropenia
