Antenatal Profile - Advanced

The Antenatal Profile test, also called a prenatal screening test, is a comprehensive pregnancy screening package. It includes multiple blood tests that help doctors assess the health of the mother and the developing baby. It is also known as the antenatal care (ANC) profile test and is commonly recommended during pregnancy to ensure the pregnancy is progressing safely.

This test helps evaluate:

• Mother’s health
• Infection risks
• Nutritional status, including vitamin B12 and folic acid levels, and iron profile
• Overall pregnancy well-being

This test helps monitor the health of both the mother and the developing baby. Antenatal tests are recommended for all pregnant women as part of routine antenatal care and are strongly recommended if a pregnant woman:

• Has health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid issues, or kidney disease.
• Is very young (a teenager) or above 35 years old.
• Has unhealthy habits like smoking, alcohol use, or a poor diet.
• Is carrying two or more babies.
• Has had problems in a previous pregnancy, such as early delivery (preterm delivery).

The Antenatal Profile test must be performed in the following situations.

The Antenatal Profile may help detect or monitor the following conditions:

• Anaemia: When the body does not have enough healthy blood cells (low haemoglobin) to carry oxygen.
• Thyroid problems: Higher or lower than normal thyroid hormone levels that may affect the mother’s health and the baby’s growth.
• High blood sugar: Elevated blood sugar levels that may indicate diabetes developing during pregnancy (gestational diabetes).
• Nutritional deficiencies: Low levels of nutrients such as folic acid and vitamin B12, which are important for the baby’s brain and spine development.
• Iron-related disorders: Low or high iron levels that may lead to iron deficiency or iron overload.
• Blood group incompatibility: A situation in which the mother’s and baby’s blood types may not be compatible.
• Infections: Illnesses caused by infections such as human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV), hepatitis B or C, or syphilis that may affect the baby’s health.
• General health problems: General assessment of the mother’s health during pregnancy.

Note: These screening tests do not confirm a disease. They only help assess possible risks. Further tests may still be needed for confirmation of diagnosis.

What to Expect Before the Antenatal Profile

You must fast for 10 to 12 hours before the test. During the fasting period, drink plain water freely. Avoid all food, milk, tea, coffee, juices, and beverages other than water. Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least 24 hours, as both can falsely elevate triglyceride levels. Avoid strenuous exercise in the 24 hours before the test. Continue your regular medications unless your doctor advises otherwise. Morning appointments are strongly recommended.

What to Expect During the Blood Collection

A phlebotomist cleans the skin with an antiseptic, then places an elastic band around your upper arm to make the veins easier to access. A small needle is inserted into the vein - you may feel a brief pinch. Blood is collected into a labelled tube in under a minute.

What to Expect After the Antenatal Profile

A small cotton swab and bandage are placed over the site to stop any minor bleeding. You can eat and drink immediately after the test - have a light meal as soon as possible after the fast. If dizzy, sit and relax for a few minutes.

The Advanced Antenatal Profile measures a total of 40 parameters. 

1. Iron Profile (4 parameters)
   • Serum Iron
   • Transferrin Saturation (TSAT)
   • Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
   • Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC)
2. Thyroid Function Test (TFT) (3 parameters)
   • Triiodothyronine (T3)
   • Thyroxine (T4)
   • Thyroid Stimulating Hormone - Ultrasensitive (TSH-Ultrasensitive)
3. Complete Blood Count (CBC) (24 parameters)
   • Absolute Eosinophil Count (AEC)
   • Haemoglobin (Hb)
   • Platelet Count
   • Red Blood Cell Count (RBC)
   • Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)
   • Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH)
   • Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)
   • Total Leukocyte Count (TLC/WBC)
   • Absolute Lymphocyte Count (ALC)
   • Absolute Basophil Count (ABC)
   • Packed Cell Volume (PCV)
   • Neutrophils
   • Lymphocytes
   • Monocytes
   • Eosinophils
   • Basophils
   • Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
   • Absolute Monocyte Count (AMC)
   • Immature Granulocyte Percentage (IG%)
   • Red Cell Distribution Width - SD (RDW-SD)
   • Nucleated Red Blood Cells Percentage (NRBC%)
   • Immature Granulocytes (IG)
   • Nucleated Red Blood Cells (NRBC)
   • Red Cell Distribution Width - CV (RDW-CV)
4. Other Important Tests (3 parameters)
   • Blood Group and Rh Typing
   • Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS)
   • Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c)
5. Infection Screening (4 parameters)
   • Human Immunodeficiency Virus I & II (HIV I & II)
   • Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg)
   • Venereal Disease Research Laboratory Test (VDRL)
   • Hepatitis C Virus Antibody (Anti-HCV)
6. Vitamin Test (2 parameters)
   • Vitamin B12
   • Folic acid (vitamin B9)

Your test reports will show the normal ranges of all the parameters in the package. The table below shows the normal ranges for key antenatal tests. 

Important Note

• Values may vary based on the trimester (months of pregnancy)
• Different laboratories may have slightly different reference ranges.
• Individual health conditions can affect results. Therefore, the results should always be interpreted by a doctor.

Here’s what your antenatal test results may indicate:

*Blood Group & Rh Factor: These results are assessed based on the mother’s blood group and Rh factor and their compatibility with the baby’s. 

Note: These results are not diagnostic. Abnormal values only indicate a possible risk, and your doctor may recommend further tests for confirmation of diagnosis. 

Testing is generally safe. However, possible risks and limitations include:

Risks (rare and resolve quickly)

• Mild discomfort during blood collection.
• Slight bruising at the needle insertion site.

Understanding the Limitations

• This is a screening test, not a confirmatory test.
• Abnormal results may require further testing (guided by a doctor).
• Results can vary depending on the trimester.
• Reference ranges may differ between laboratories.

If any Antenatal Profile results are abnormal, your doctor may suggest: 

• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
• Double marker test, triple marker, or quadruple marker test
• Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)
• Ultrasound scans
• Amniocentesis
• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)