title: Do we need to know the ABO blood group in antenatal patients?
abstract: The importance of determination of ABO Blood Groups in antenatal patients is considered, particularly in the context of the diagnosis of ABO mediated haemolytic disease of the newborn and blood transfusion during pregnancy and delivery. It is concluded that the investigation is of little benefit to either patient or doctor, and that it should be abandoned as part of routine antenatal procedures.
authors.affiliation: Pathology Department, British Military Hospital Rinteln.
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000017:ABO Blood-Group System; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine; D004899:Erythroblastosis, Fetal / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis
chemical_list: D000017:ABO Blood-Group System