Which test is NOT part of a standard prenatal workup?

Which test is NOT part of a standard prenatal workup?

• A. Direct antiglobulin test
• B. ABO typing
• C. Rh typing
• D. Antibody screen

Answer: (D)

In prenatal testing, the goal is to determine the mother’s blood type and Rh status and to screen for antibodies that could attack fetal red cells. The indirect antiglobulin test (the antibody screen) is part of this routine, because it reveals unexpected antibodies in the mother that might cause hemolytic disease in the fetus. The direct antiglobulin test, on the other hand, is used on newborns to see if their red cells are coated with antibodies or complement after birth, which helps diagnose hemolytic disease of the fetus/newborn. It is not part of the standard prenatal workup.

In prenatal testing, the goal is to determine the mother’s blood type and Rh status and to screen for antibodies that could attack fetal red cells. The indirect antiglobulin test (the antibody screen) is part of this routine, because it reveals unexpected antibodies in the mother that might cause hemolytic disease in the fetus. The direct antiglobulin test, on the other hand, is used on newborns to see if their red cells are coated with antibodies or complement after birth, which helps diagnose hemolytic disease of the fetus/newborn. It is not part of the standard prenatal workup.