COLD AGGLUTININ DISEASE (CAD)
Laboratory Handling Form (Printable)
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Cold Agglutinin Disease (CAD) – Laboratory Handling Instructions
Patient has suspected or confirmed Cold Agglutinin Disease (CAD).
Cooling of blood specimens may cause in-vitro red blood cell agglutination,
resulting in inaccurate laboratory results.
Specimen handling (important):
– Keep specimens warm (about 37 °C / 98.6 °F) from collection
through transport and processing.
– If CBC results appear clotted, inconsistent, or flagged for agglutination,
consider temperature-related effects and repeat draw with warm handling.
– If type and screen or crossmatch is required, notify the Blood Bank early.
Additional handling steps and processing time may be needed.
Common laboratory effects of cold agglutination:
– Falsely low RBC count and hematocrit
– Falsely elevated MCV and MCHC
– Analyzer flags for agglutination (pattern varies by analyzer)
Patient name: ________________________________
DOB: _______________________
Ordering clinician contact: ________________________________________________
Laboratory notes / special instructions:
_________________________________________________________________
