title: Routine testing of fetal Rhesus D status in Rhesus D negative women using cell-free fetal DNA: an investigation into the preferences and information needs of women.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The goal of this study is to investigate women's preferences and information needs for routine implementation of fetal Rhesus D (RhD) typing using cell-free fetal DNA.
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire was developed following focus groups and interviews with both health professionals and RhD negative (RhD-) women offered fetal RhD genotyping within a research study and distributed to RhD- women attending routine antenatal appointments in four National Health Service hospitals. Current knowledge of blood types, anti-D administration, fetal RhD genotyping and future practices were explored.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 19 respondents participated in interviews and focus groups, and 270 respondents completed the questionnaires. Questionnaire respondents overwhelmingly felt that the test should be offered to all RhD- women (92.1%), and 75.9% said that they would accept this test. Most were happy to have the test even if it involved extra blood tests (89.3%) or appointments (79%). The knowledge of blood groups was poor. Although 90.7% knew that the baby could have a different blood group from themselves, only 34% knew that blood groups are inherited from both parents. More than 40% were not aware that anti-D would not be required if their baby was RhD-.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Women would welcome the introduction of routine fetal RhD genotyping. Information leaflets and training of midwives will be essential for implementation to ensure good understanding regarding testing.
authors.affiliation: Fetal Medicine Unit, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
authors.forename: Kerry
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Oxenford
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Silcock
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: Lyn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chitty
mesh_terms: D001788:Blood Grouping and Crossmatching / Q000379:methods*; D004247:DNA / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000276:immunology*; D005838:Genotype; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008880:Midwifery / Q000193:education; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D012203:Rh Isoimmunization / Q000517:prevention & control; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics*; D018029:Rho(D) Immune Globulin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System; D018029:Rho(D) Immune Globulin; D004247:DNA