The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay: accurate detection of red blood cell antibodies in autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed in the study of red blood cells from patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The ELISA was more sensitive and correlated with severity of hemolysis better than the direct antiglobulin test (DAT). It was helpful in diagnosing and following the clinical course in these patients. This was particularly true in the DAT-negative group, since the ELISA can detect smaller increases in red blood cell IgG than are required for a positive DAT.