August 28, 2025

In this issue: 

• DAT decoded: Finding the signal in the noise
• Attend the webinar - Operation CPAR Conflicts: The final panel frontier 
• For AMA members: New Digital Health Innovation series. Register now! 
• Apply for CMA leadership opportunities 
• Primary Care Alberta updates
  • 2025-2026 COVID-19 immunization program update
  • HPV Self-Sampling Pilot criteria expanded
  • Lab Bulletins:
    • South Zone: Mononucleosis test change
    • Edmonton Zone: Standardized vitamin D test
• MD Financial
  • The value of advice when inheriting a house
• Community Connections
  • Attend the 8th Annual Canadian Global Care Society Pain Run
  • Innovations in Medicine - September 14

DAT decoded: Finding the signal in the noise

The direct antiglobulin test (DAT) is a specialized tool used to aid in the diagnosis of immune-mediated red cell hemolysis. A positive DAT indicates antibody (Ig) and/or complement (C3d) bound to red cells. This finding can be seen in autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), hemolytic transfusion reactions, hemolytic disease of the newborn and drug-induced hemolysis. Results should always be interpreted within the clinic context as positivity alone does not equal hemolysis.

Before ordering the DAT, remember these three key points: 

Order DAT only when hemolysis is suspected
Anemia with reticulocytosis, elevated LDH, bilirubin, and low haptoglobin are the appropriate triggers. DAT is not a screening tool for anemia of unknown etiology.

A positive DAT isn’t always significant
Up to 15% of hospitalized patients may have a weakly positive DAT without evidence of hemolysis. Correlate with clinical and laboratory findings before initiating treatment. 

Positive results require interpretation
Management differs depending on the context (e.g., warm vs cold autoantibodies, delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions, or drug-related causes). Input from transfusion medicine can help guide further management and transfusion safety.

The DAT is a valuable diagnostic tool when used correctly. Careful ordering and interpretation ensures patients with true immune-mediated hemolysis are identified promptly and managed effectively.

Reference

Attend the upcoming webinar

Operation CPAR Conflicts: The final panel frontier

Join AMA-ACTT for the launch of a new Alberta‑wide initiative, Operation CPAR Conflicts: The Final Panel Frontier.

In this physician-led webinar, you’ll hear how Conflicts affect both patient care and physician workload and gain practical strategies for reducing your Conflict Rate.

Attendance is limited to AMA member physicians only.

For AMA members: New Digital Health Innovation series with Jo Salter

Join AMA-ACTT for the launch of our new Digital Health Innovation series.

Whether you’re tech-wary or tech-savvy, you’ll leave this session empowered and better equipped to make informed decisions about the future of care. Learn more about our first guest speaker, Jo Salter, and register today.

Registration for this event is limited to physicians only.

Apply for CMA leadership opportunities

The CMA is looking for members from various provinces and territories and medical learnings who are interested in applying for leadership vacancies with an initial term starting in 2026.

• Learn more about the leadership opportunities and how to apply.

The CMA is also looking for CMA members to apply for two external organizations' upcoming vacancies:

• Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS) (two positions) 
• Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) Board of Directors (one position)

The deadline for eligible members to apply for all of these positions is December 29.

Primary Care Alberta updates

The following PCA updates have been provided for your information: 

• 2025-2026 COVID-19 immunization program update
• HPV Self-Sampling Pilot criteria expanded
• Lab Bulletins:
  • South Zone: Mononucleosis test change 
  • Edmonton Zone: Standardized vitamin D test

The value of advice when inheriting a house

Sponsored article

Inheriting property can be both a gift and a challenge. This MD Financial article explores how professional advice helps physicians navigate tax implications, emotional decisions and long-term planning. Whether keeping or selling, thoughtful choices can help align with your financial goals. 

Community Connections

Canadian Global Care Society 8^th Annual Pain Run
It's not too late to join the CGC annual run/walk for chronic pain! You can join from virtually anywhere! Form a group and send your steps to canadianglobalcare@gmail.com. The event runs from August 1 to September 1. 

Innovations in Medicine - September 14

The Jewish Healthcare Association of Alberta welcomes health care and allied health care professionals to attend this event that will highlight medical innovations emerging from Jewish startups in Israel and Alberta and provide a unique opportunity for knowledge sharing and networking. 

The evening is generously supported by the Jewish Federation of Edmonton and is open to professionals, students and community members across health, social work, psychology and related fields. 

Visit the event page for more information and to register.

Promoting a local charitable health-related event? 

Recruiting physicians and medical learners for a medical study?

Seeking AMA member participation in a survey?

The AMA receives many requests to promote local events, research participation opportunities and surveys to our members. We consider all requests based on specific criteria and general relevance/appropriateness. Please note that, unless explicitly stated, the AMA is not associated with or responsible for items listed in Community Connections.

In case you missed it

Submit a CMA nomination today!

Upcoming events

WCB-Alberta's 2025 Meredith Lecture

September 17 

MD Financial webinar: Retire with confidence? How Medicus can help secure your financial future

September 17

Media Relations 201

September 18

Canadian Conference on Physician Health

October 17-18

Alberta Society of Radiologists 2025 Scientific Conference - RAD to the Bone

November 7-9

View all upcoming events on the AMA website.

Have an event you'd like to promote?

Review our criteria and submit your event.

Recognition Roundup

September:

World Suicide Prevention Day

September 10

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30

Recommend a special date.

Last issue's top stories

Café de Paris: A new resource for Alberta health professionals

Alberta Human Rights Tribunal rules in favor of disabled patient. Physicians should be aware.

In the August 28
MD Scope Classifieds
you'll find listings for:
 

- Physicians wanted

- Locums wanted

- For sale or lease
- Services

More AMA publications

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