Autoantibody

An antibody (a specific type of protein) manufactured by the immune system that is directed against one or more of the individual's own proteins. Autoantibodies can be detected with an antibody screening procedure. These are not a normal occurrence and may indicate autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The autocontrol tube within the antibody screening will detect this type of antibody and other causes of a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT).