Rh Typing On Fetal DNA in Maternal Blood Test

Rh Typing test is performed on a sample of blood to measure the level of Rh Negativity in the blood.It is performed to confirm Rh Negative Pregnacy and also during the treatment and after the treatment of Rh Negative Pregnacy. Also known as Rh typing. Rh (Rhesus) factor is a protein that most people have on the surface of their red blood cells. It is important to know whether your blood is Rh positive or negative, If it is Rh – neagative you must be cautious during pregnancy.

No special preparation is required for these tests, Wearing a short sleeve or sleeveless shirt or T-shirt will be helpful for the technicians to draw blood from the veins. If the patient is on certain medications or is undergoing any treatment for allergies then the doctor may give the patient certain instructions to be followed before the test.

This test is used to deduct whether the person has Rh positive or Rh negative type during pregnancy. If one has Rh negative type, the baby may have Rh- positive type, if it is the patient’s first baby then it is safe. If the patient is having her second baby with Rh negative type there are chances that the baby may develop hemolytic disease. Hemolytic disease can cause severe Jaundice to the new born baby, brain damage, or in extreme cases miscarriage or stillbirth. And this happens if and only if the blood of the patient’s first born child is somehow spilled into the patient during pregnancy period. If that happens the patient’s body develop antibodies against this type of blood and hence the patient’s next child’s health will be affected. This problem can be avoided if the patient takes a shot of Rh immune globulin.

For the blood to be drawn, at first the area is cleansed with an antiseptic and tourniquet is placed around the upper arm for pressure. A needle is inserted into the vein and blood is drawn and collected in a vial. Now, the tourniquet is removed and the patient is provided with cotton balls to prevent further bleeding. The collected blood is tested for Rh typing.