Which test is used to investigate a suspected hemolytic transfusion reaction?

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Direct Antiglobulin Test identifies antibodies or complement bound to red blood cells in the patient, which is what happens during an immune-mediated hemolytic transfusion reaction. A positive result confirms that red cells are being destroyed in vivo, making this the most informative test to investigate this scenario. Pretransfusion compatibility tests like ABO typing and crossmatch prevent reactions but do not diagnose one after it occurs, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate is a nonspecific marker that does not detect hemolysis.