Transfusion Medicine Prenatal Testing - Provincial
Discipline
Transfusion Medicine
Overview
Description
- Routine testing ordered to confirm the expectant (pregnant) patient ABO blood group, Rh status and presence of antibodies against non-ABO red blood cell antigens.
- Testing is completed to determine the expectant patient Rh status and eligibility for RhIg prophylaxis, and determine the risk of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) during pregnancy.
Test ordering requirements
- https://saskblood.ca/programs/prams-program/
- The Most Responsible Practitioner (MRP) must complete the SHA request for Prenatal Testing.
- Requisition completion cannot be delegated to phlebotomy/laboratory staff.
Specimen Information
Specimen types accepted
- Whole blood
Specimen collection container
- EDTA (lavender top)
Required volume
- Optimal volume: 2 x 4 mL EDTA
- Minimum volume: 1 x 4 mL EDTA
Submitting the minimum volume makes it impossible to repeat the test or perform confirmatory/reflex testing. In some situations, a minimum volume may require a second collection.
Transport and stability
- Store at 2 - 8°C.
- Must be tested within 7 days of collection.
Rejection criteria
- Lab Medicine Specimen Acceptance and Rejection Criteria
- Unlabeled sample
- Requisition and/or sample labelling discrepancy, mismatch, or missing information
- Missing date of collection/proof of phlebotomist's identify
Testing Information
Relevant clinical history
- EDD
- History of antibodies
- Transfusion history
- History of RhIg
Clinical interpretation
- Request for routine prenatal testing includes ABO, Rh and antibody screen testing on the expectant patient.
Performance
Methodology
- Gel testing, tube testing or solid phase testing
Days/times performed
- Designated PRAMS Testing Sites
- Royal University Hospital (Saskatoon), St. Paul’s Hospital (Saskatoon), Regina General Hospital, Prince Albert Victoria Hospital
- Testing performed Monday to Friday (0700 - 2130)
- Current State Blood Drop Map
Maximum laboratory time
-
Results reporting: Within 7 days of receipt in Transfusion Medicine.
Note: Delays in reporting may be encountered in the presence of unexpected antibodies.
Specimen retention time
- 7 days after testing is completed
Other information
- Reflex antibody identification, titrations and antigen typing performed as required
Last Updated: December 10, 2024