Immunohaematological testing of the antenatal patient. Is the Rh(D) positive woman as important as the Rh(D) negative woman?
During a 4-year period postnatal samples referred for testing for anti-Rh(D) immunoglobulin eligibility were analysed for irregular red cell antibodies. Fifty two (2%) of 2,600 samples received contained antibodies to a variety of red cell antigens. Twenty four (46%) of these antibodies were undiagnosed prior to term and were a chance finding only on postnatal testing. Eleven of these latter antibodies (45%) had the potential for neonatal morbidity. The frequency of antenatal testing is discussed in relation to the Rh(D) positive as well as the Rh(D) negative woman.
D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007159:Immunologic Tests; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011295:Prenatal Care; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System / Q000276:immunology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000906:Antibodies; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System