Canine anti-globulin or Coombs' test is widely used to detect the presence of antibody in the diagnosis of autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

• Lyophilized antiserum
• Primary antibody

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by antibody coated red blood cells that either lyse in the presence of complement, or are subject to phagocytosis by the liver and spleen, resulting in a severe anemia. Antibody alone or in the presence of complement injures the cell membrane permitting leakage of RBC material, allowing recognition by the reticuloendothelial cells, thereby leading to phagocytosis and destruction of RBC's. Immune mediated erythrocyte destruction is also seen in canine systemic lupus erythematosus some infections and in neoplastic disorders.

Anti-globulin reagent (Coombs' serum) is prepared by immunizing rabbits with canine IgG, IgM and C3 purified from normal serum. The resulting whole antiserum is heat treated to inactivate complement and is adsorbed with normal pooled canine erythrocytes to remove nonspecific agglutinins. Canine anti-globulin reagent is presented in lyophilized form.