A complete blood count (CBC) may be affected by the presence of cold agglutinins, antibodies that cause red blood cells to clump together at low temperatures. This clumping can interfere with automated cell counting, leading to falsely elevated mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and falsely decreased red blood cell count (RBC). A blood smear review often reveals the characteristic red blood cell agglutination. These effects can be mitigated by warming the blood sample before analysis.
Accurate hematological analysis is crucial for proper diagnosis and management of various health conditions. Understanding the impact of cold agglutinins on CBC analysis allows healthcare professionals to interpret results correctly, avoiding misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Historically, the recognition of this phenomenon has significantly improved the reliability of hematological testing, particularly in patients with conditions associated with cold agglutinins, such as certain infections and autoimmune disorders. Accurate interpretation facilitates appropriate clinical decisions, ranging from further investigations to specific therapies.
