Coombs' tests are blood tests that identify the causes of anemia
Risks for this test are minimal, but may include slight bleeding from the blood-drawing site, fainting or feeling lightheaded after venipuncture, or hematoma
If the Coombs' tests are negative, the anemia is unlikely to be autoimmune, and the hematologist will have to search elsewhere for a cause
If the test is positive, the antigens that react will narrow the search for a cause