Cold agglutinins test

Cold Agglutinins Test

Why is a cold agglutinins test done?

A cold agglutinins test may be done to see whether high cold agglutinin levels are causing autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

How is a cold agglutinins test done?

A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.

How do you prepare for a cold agglutinins test?

In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.

What do the results of a cold agglutinins test mean?

Normal

Each lab has a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn't in the normal range may still be normal for you.

High values

  • High cold agglutinin levels may be caused by infections, such as pneumonia caused by mycoplasma, mononucleosis, hepatitis C, or other viral infections.
  • High cold agglutinin levels can cause symptoms when a person is exposed to cold temperatures. These symptoms can include numbness, burning, pain, or pale or bluish skin of the fingertips, toes, ears, or nose.

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