Comparison of the direct antiglobulin test and the eluate technique for diagnosing haemolytic disease of the newborn

The detection of clinically irrelevant ABO immunization limits the specificity of the DAT and eluate for HDN in ABO-incompatible pregnancies. For optimal use, the DAT should be requested only in cases of jaundice and be interpreted in the context of ABO-incompatibility. Finally, a negative DAT does not rule out HDN. When clinical suspicion is high, an eluate should be added following a negative DAT.