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Cold Agglutinins

Published: July 27, 2026Updated: August 25, 2026

Cold agglutinins are antibodies that cause red blood cells to clump together at low temperatures, which can lead to hemolytic anemia.

Quick summary

Cold agglutinins are antibodies that react to cold temperatures and can cause red blood cell destruction.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 25, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

Units
titer
Clinical utility
diagnostic
Result kind
qualitative
FDA-cleared
Colding Agglutinins Test, BioCard Cold Agglutinins
interpretation: {"text":"≤1 titer units: No significant presence of cold agglutinins detected.","label":"Normal"}; {"text":">1 titer units: Possible presence of cold agglutinin disease or other underlying conditions.","label":"Elevated"}

Cold agglutinins are autoantibodies that bind to red blood cells (RBCs) at temperatures below normal body temperature, typically 28-31°C, causing them to agglutinate or clump together.

This agglutination can lead to hemolytic anemia, a condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced, leading to symptoms like fatigue, jaundice, and shortness of breath.

The titer of cold agglutinins is measured to diagnose and monitor conditions such as cold agglutinin disease, infections like Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and certain lymphomas.

Frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms of cold agglutinin disease?
Symptoms include fatigue, jaundice, cold-induced circulatory problems, and hemolytic anemia.
How is the cold agglutinin test performed?
A blood sample is collected and tested for the presence and concentration of cold agglutinins at different temperatures.
  1. 1
    Cold Agglutinin Disease - National Organization for Rare DisordersSource
  2. 2
    Cold Agglutinins - MedlinePlusSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy