Description
An obstetric panel is a group of blood tests which is done to check the health of a woman before and during pregnancy. The results of these tests can help identify certain problems during the pregnancy if any. They can also helps for any treatment needed for a woman during pregnancy or for baby immediately after birth.
Obstetric Panel - This panel includes tests used for routine prenatal care during early pregnancy, which have been recommended for all women during early pregnancy by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). An alternative panel, the Obstetric Panel with Fourth Generation HIV is available and may be ordered to simultaneously screen for HIV infection.
Additional tests typically done in early pregnancy (but not included in this panel) include urinalysis, tests for sexually transmitted infections and tuberculosis, and blood glucose testing for women at high risk for gestational diabetes.
The CBC with differential evaluates the levels and types of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the patient’s blood. This information can help identify conditions such as anemia, low platelet count, and other blood cell disorders .
The blood type, including ABO and Rh status, as well as the antibody screen, will provide information about a woman’s current and/or future risk for hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. These tests may also be useful to define any special transfusion requirements.
Syphilis, when transmitted from mother to fetus, may cause birth defects and neonatal death. Syphilis testing is performed using a combination of assays.
Hepatitis B, a disease that affects the liver, can be passed from mother to fetus. Hepatitis B screening is performed with the hepatitis B surface antigen test.
Rubella, or German measles, can cause birth defects if transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy. Testing of the mother’s immune status against rubella will indicate if the mother and baby are protected from infection by the virus during this time. Vaccination for rubella during pregnancy is not recommended.
Test results should be interpreted in the context of pertinent clinical and family history and physical examination findings.
