The DAT is not a screening test for hyperbilirubinemia or hemolytic disease. Routine assessment of the DAT may reveal cases of ABO incompatibility which are clinically insignificant; conversely the DAT may fail to identify significant hemolysis due to non immune causes. The DAT should be performed only when anemia or hyperbilirubinemia is suspected or when maternal alloantibodies are present.
For more information:
Aydin et al. Is the Antiglobulin Test a Good Marker for Predicting the Development of Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn in ABO Incompatibility? Pediatr Neonatol. 2016 Oct; 57(5),449. PMID: 27211278.
Dinish D. Review of positive direct antiglobulin tests found on cord blood sampling. J. Paediatr. Child Health. 2005 Oct; 41(9-10), 504-7. PMID: 16150068.
Judd. Practice guidelines for prenatal and perinatal immunohematology, revisited. Transfusion. 2001 Nov;41(11):1445-52. PMID: 11724993.
Keir et al. Fifteen minute consultation: managing neonatal and childhood herpes encephalitis. Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed. 2015 Apr;100(2):58-63. PMID: 25112286.