What is an antibody screen used for?

An antibody screen is primarily employed to check for antibodies present in the blood prior to a blood transfusion. This is crucial because if a patient has antibodies against certain blood group antigens, transfusing blood that contains those antigens can lead to transfusion reactions, which can be harmful or even life-threatening. By conducting an antibody screen, healthcare providers can ensure compatibility and safety during transfusions by identifying any pre-existing antibodies in the patient’s blood, allowing for the selection of blood products that are safe for them.

The other options are associated with different tests and measurements: assessing vitamin levels involves a different set of tests focused on nutritional status, measuring glucose levels is conducted primarily to diagnose or monitor diabetes, and evaluating liver function involves tests that assess the health of the liver through liver enzyme levels and other relevant markers. Each of these serves distinct purposes and does not pertain to the identification and management of antibodies related to transfusion safety.