Is an autocontrol or a DAT required when doing antibody identification? We do run an auto with each liquid panel but we also use the ECHO for antibody ID as well, the instrument doesn't do an auto. I realize that running the auto and a DAT can provide valuable information, however, if the id is staight forward is it realy necessary.

Thanks

Tony

It is not required, but an auto is always a good idea. We always run one, and there have been several occasions when we have been surprised to get an unexpected positive auto.

On the other hand, if the specificity really is straightforward, and you can demonstrate that the patient does not express the corresponding antigen, then, in my opinion, go for it.

I certainly didn't run a DAT on all such samples when, back in the day, I was working in the hospital environment, and, depending upon the findings reported by the hospital laboratory upon submission, we don't always do so now that I work in a Reference Laboratory - waste of money!

Thanks Malcolm, we used to do a DAT on everyone we did a screen on and we ended up doing a lot of elutions, which are time consuming and an additional charge to the patient.

Tony