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An obstetric panel is a group of blood tests done to check the health of a woman before and during early pregnancy. The results of these tests can help find certain problems during the pregnancy. They can also help guide any treatment needed for a woman during pregnancy or for a baby immediately after birth.

Blood type, antibody screening, and a complete blood count (CBC) are all part of an obstetric panel. Your doctor can check to see if you have Rh-negative blood. If you have Rh-negative blood and your baby has Rh-positive blood, this is called Rh incompatibility. Although it is not known for sure what the baby's blood type is, steps can be taken to prevent problems caused by the incompatibility.

Other tests in the panel show if an infection such as syphilis or hepatitis B is present. Another test can show if you are immune to rubella, also known as German measles. You may also be tested to see if you are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

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Related Information

References

Other Works Consulted

  • Fischbach FT, Dunning MB III, eds. (2009). Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
  • Pagana KD, Pagana TJ (2010). Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, 4th ed. St. Louis: Mosby Elsevier.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Thomas M. Bailey, MD - Family Medicine
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Rebecca Sue Uranga, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

Current as ofMarch 16, 2017

Current as of: March 16, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Thomas M. Bailey, MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Rebecca Sue Uranga, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology