Rh Antibody Titre – BC271
🤰 Pregnancy & Maternal HealthReport: Next day Evening (Except Sunday)
Sample Type: Blood (Serum/EDTA)
Test Code: BC271
The Rh Antibody Titre is a blood test that detects and measures the level (titre) of Rh antibodies in an Rh-negative person's blood. This test is critically important for Rh-negative pregnant women to determine if they have been sensitized to Rh-positive blood and to monitor the level of antibodies, which can pose a risk to an Rh-positive fetus.
✔ A crucial test for managing Rh incompatibility during pregnancy.
✔ Monitors the risk of Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN).
✔ The titre level helps guide decisions about monitoring the baby's health during pregnancy.
✔ A simple, non-invasive blood test for the mother.
Understanding Rh Incompatibility and the Role of the Titre
The Rh factor is a protein found on the surface of red blood cells. If you have it, you are Rh-positive. If you don't, you are Rh-negative. Rh incompatibility occurs when an Rh-negative mother is pregnant with an Rh-positive baby. During pregnancy or delivery, a small amount of the baby's Rh-positive blood can mix with the mother's blood. The mother's immune system sees the Rh protein as a foreign invader and starts producing anti-Rh antibodies to destroy it. This process is called sensitization.
While this is not usually a problem for the first pregnancy, it poses a significant risk to subsequent pregnancies with another Rh-positive baby. The mother's anti-Rh antibodies can cross the placenta and attack the baby's red blood cells, causing a potentially life-threatening condition called Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN).
What Does the "Titre" Tell Us?
The Rh Antibody Titre is a quantitative test. It measures the concentration of these antibodies in the mother's blood. The result is given as a ratio (e.g., 1:8, 1:16, 1:32). A higher titre means a higher concentration of antibodies.
- Low Titre: Indicates the presence of antibodies, but at a low level. The pregnancy will be monitored.
- High or Rising Titre: A high or progressively rising titre during pregnancy is a cause for concern. It indicates that the mother's immune system is actively responding, and the risk to the fetus is increasing. A titre that reaches a "critical" level will prompt the doctor to perform more intensive monitoring of the baby's health, such as specialized ultrasounds.
This test is the primary tool for obstetricians to assess the risk and manage the care of an Rh-sensitized pregnancy to ensure the best possible outcome for the baby.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This test is ordered for pregnant women who have an Rh-negative blood type. It's done to check if your body has produced antibodies against the Rh-positive factor, which could be harmful to your baby if the baby is Rh-positive.
It's a condition that occurs during pregnancy when an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive baby. Her immune system may react to the baby's blood as if it were a foreign substance.
A high titre indicates a large amount of anti-Rh antibodies in your blood. This signifies a higher risk that these antibodies could cross the placenta and affect your baby's red blood cells. It alerts your doctor to monitor your pregnancy more closely.
Yes. The initial sensitization can be prevented by giving an Rh-negative mother an injection of Rh immunoglobulin (RhoGAM) at around 28 weeks of pregnancy and after delivery if the baby is Rh-positive.
No, fasting is not required for this blood test.