The ANC Profile test is conducted during the first trimester of pregnancy. It primarily tests for disorders such as diabetes, HIV, & thyroid disease and examines a pregnant woman's health.

Antenatal testing assists preserve a pregnant woman’s health and her child’s health. This test is done on pregnant women to see any underlying problems interfering with the foetus’ development. After the doctor examines the underlying medical issue, the patient is given the appropriate therapy.

The Ante-Natal Care (ANC) profile is a collection of pathology tests recommended for pregnant women. Together with a standard medical exam and other diagnostic imaging, these tests are part of the Ante-Natal Care medical check-up that every pregnant woman must have.

The pregnancy’s first trimester is the most essential and it necessitates a complete assessment. The ANC profile test is helpful because it examines a pregnant woman’s nutritional state and blood type.

Other names of ANC Profile test

●        Ante-Natal Care test

●        Antenatal Profile Comprehensive test

●        Antenatal test

What does the ANC Profile detect or measure and who is this prescribed for?

The ANC Profile test measures a variety of parameters as part of antenatal screening for pregnant women.

The doctors prescribe the ANC Profile test during the first trimester of pregnancy. The ANC Profile test primarily detects infectious disorders such as HIV, diabetes and thyroid disease and helps identify possible complications in the pregnancy that may be harmful to the mother and the child.

The results of the ANC Profile test depend on both urine and blood samples.

Test Preparation

The ANC Profile test has no fasting requirements. The patients follow the instructions of their healthcare practitioner before taking this test.

Test inclusions: What parameters are included?

The ANC Profile test includes the following parameters -

• Complete Blood test (CBC) - A CBC test evaluates the RBC (Red Blood Cell), WBC (White Blood Cell) and platelets (PLT) that circulate in the blood. A complete blood count (CBC) can assess the general health and detect a range of illnesses and ailments, including infections, anaemia and leukaemia.
• Haemoglobin test - The level of haemoglobin in the blood is measured by a haemoglobin test. Haemoglobin is a protein in the RBCs that transfers oxygen to the body’s organs and tissues while transporting carbon dioxide (CO2) back to the lungs.
• Erythrocyte (RBC) Count test - A red blood cell count (RBC) is a blood test that determines the number of RBCs in the body.
• Total Leucocytes (WBC) Count test - A WBC count is a blood test that determines how many white blood cells (WBCs) are present in the blood. Leukocyte is another name for WBC. They aid in the battle against infections.
• WBC-DC test - The number of each kind of white blood cell (WBC) in the body is measured by a blood differential test.
• Packed Cell Volume (PCV)test - The total cell volume (PCV) measures how much blood is made of cells. The proportion or fraction of cells in blood is used to calculate the value.
• Platelet count test - A platelet count is a lab test that determines the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are blood components that aid in clotting. They are a fraction of the size of red or white blood cells.
• Mean Cell Volume (MCV) test - The term MCV is Mean Corpuscular Volume. RBCs, WBCs and platelets are the three primary kinds of corpuscles (blood cells) in the blood. The average size of the RBC, commonly known as erythrocytes, is measured by an MCV blood test.
• Mean Cell Haemoglobin (MCH) test - The average quantity of haemoglobin in a person’s red blood cells is measured by mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) in a blood test. Haemoglobin is a protein transporting oxygen throughout the body. In a complete blood count test, MCH is one of the usual measures.
• Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) - This calculated test measures the average haemoglobin concentration within a single red blood cell. A complete blood count (CBC) panel is frequently requested with MCHC.
• AEC (Absolute Eosinophil Count) test - This blood test determines the number of eosinophils in the body. This test aids in the detection of allergic disorders, infections and other illnesses.
• Absolute Neutrophil Count test - The number of neutrophils in the blood is measured. White blood cells called neutrophils are a kind of white blood cell. They aid in the body’s defence against infection. An absolute neutrophil count diagnoses conditions, inflammation, leukaemia and other diseases.
• Absolute Lymphocyte Count test - The total lymphocyte count test determines how many lymphocytes (white blood cells) are present in the blood. An abnormally high amount of lymphocytes might signal the existence of an infection or another severe sickness and the doctor should investigate.
• Absolute Monocyte Count test - Absolute monocytes are a type of white blood cell that can be measured. Monocytes aid in the fight against infections and illnesses like cancer. One approach to keep track of the health of the immune system and blood is to have the absolute monocyte levels evaluated as part of a routine blood test.
• Absolute Basophil Count test - The final basophil count is calculated by multiplying the total white cell count by the proportion of basophils. A complete blood count (CBC) test, which assesses the makeup of all blood cells, can reveal abnormal basophil levels.
• PDW test - The platelet distribution width (PDW) indicates how uniform the platelets are in size. A normal PDW shows that platelets are essentially the same size. However, a high PDW means that platelet size varies substantially, indicating platelet activity linked to vascular illnesses and malignancies.
• Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) test - Platelets are tiny blood cells helping blood clotting, enabling an individual to stop bleeding after an injury. The average size of the platelets is measured in an MPV blood test. The test can be used to identify bleeding problems and bone marrow diseases.
• RDW CV test - The red cell distribution width (RDW) test determines the blood cells' volume and size range (erythrocytes). RBCs transport oxygen from the lungs to all of the body’s cells.
• RDW SD test - A CBC (complete blood count) is a test that evaluates various components of the blood, like RBC. The RDW blood test is very often included or a part of a CBC. In addition, the RDW test is frequently used to identify anaemia.
• Platelet to extensive cell ratio test - In individuals with hyperlipidemia, a higher percentage of large platelets (P-LCR) is seen, indicating a potential risk of thrombosis. In addition, when people are overweight or eat an unhealthy diet, they are more likely to develop hyperlipidemia.
• PCT test - The level of procalcitonin in the blood is measured by a procalcitonin test. A high level may indicate a dangerous bacterial illness like sepsis. The body’s extreme response to infection is known as sepsis.
• Urine Routine & Microscopy (Urine R/M) test - This test can detect UTIs, metabolic problems, renal problems and other issues.
• Appearance test - Physical appearance testing is one of the most subjective yet crucial drug substance assessments.
• Specific Gravity test - A laboratory test called urine specific gravity determines the concentration of all chemical particles in the urine.
• pH-value test - In healthy people, blood or urine tests are used to assess the body's pH level.
• Protein test - Protein in the urine during pregnancy might indicate a dangerous disease called preeclampsia or excessively high blood pressure. This test may be performed following a dipstick urine protein test.
• Urine Glucose test - Glucose can be found in the urine of up to half of pregnant women at some point. The presence of glucose in the urine shall indicate that a woman has gestational diabetes. In addition, this test is used to determine their blood glucose levels.
• Nitrite test - Nitrates are substances found in normal urine. If any bacteria enter the urinary tract, nitrates can be converted to nitrites, similar-sounding compounds. Nitrites in the urine might indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI).
• Bilirubin-Total test - A bilirubin test measures the bilirubin amounts in the blood. It figures out what’s causing symptoms, including anaemia, jaundice and liver illness.
• Urine Epithelial Cells test - The epithelial cells in the urine test examines urine under a microscope to determine whether the quantity of epithelial cells in the body is within normal limits. However, a significant portion might mean an individual has an infection, renal disease or significant medical problem.
• Bacteria test - A bacteria culture test can aid in the detection of potentially dangerous microorganisms in the body. This test collects the blood, urine, skin or another part of the body samples. The suspected infection’s location determines the sort of sample required.
• Casts test - Urinary casts are tiny tube-shaped particles identified in urine when viewed under a microscope during a urinalysis test. Red blood cells, white blood cells, compounds like fat or protein or kidney cells can all be found in urine casts.
• Crystals test - A urine crystals test is part of a microscopic examination of urine.
• Volume test - Volume testing, as the name implies, is testing large amounts of data. Flood testing is another name for it. The goal of volume testing is to see how well the system performs with a more significant amount of data in the database.
• Ketones test - Ketones measure the level of ketones in the blood. Ketones are compounds produced by the body when the cells do not receive enough glucose (blood sugar). Glucose is the body’s primary energy source. Therefore, ketones can be detected in the blood or urine.
• Urine Blood test - Additional testing is required if there is blood in the pee.
• Urobilinogen test – In this test, the quantity of urobilinogen in a urine sample is measured. The decrease in bilirubin produces urobilinogen. Bilirubin resembles a yellowish substance produced by the liver that aids in the digestion of RBC. Urobilinogen can be found in any normal urine.
• Parasites test - An ova and parasite test examines a sample of the faeces for parasites and their eggs (ova). A parasite is a tiny animal or plant that feeds on the nutrition of another living thing. In the digestive tract, parasites may live and cause sickness. Intestinal parasites are what they’re termed.
• Yeast Cells test - Yeast is a fungus that may dwell on the skin, mouth, digestive tract and genitals. Although some yeast in the body is natural, an overabundance of yeast on the skin or other regions can lead to illness. A yeast test can help in figuring out if an individual has a yeast infection or not.
• Blood sugar random (RBS) test - A random blood sugar test measures blood sugar levels at any moment or at various times throughout the day. The RBS test is used to diagnose diabetes mellitus and monitor the condition during and after therapy.
• Hba1C (Glycosylated haemoglobin) test - A glycosylated haemoglobin test measures the proportion of haemoglobin bonded to glucose. The more glucose is bound to the haemoglobin, the higher the blood sugar is.
• Average Blood Glucose test - A blood glucose test is a blood test that measures the glucose (sugar) levels in a person’s blood to check for diabetes.
• TSH test - A thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH instructs the thyroid gland for producing hormones that regulate the metabolism or how the body uses and stores energy. Therefore, TSH levels in the blood might indicate whether or not the thyroid gland is working appropriately.
• HIV I & II test - The HIV-1/2 antigen/antibody combination immunoassay test is the CDC’s recommended HIV antibody test. The CDC recommends the following follow-up testing if individual tests positive for HIV: Antibody differentiation immunoassay for HIV-1 and HIV-2. This test is used to confirm HIV infection and determine if an individual has HIV-1 or HIV-2.
• HBsAg test - Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) - A “positive” or “reactive” HBsAg test result indicates hepatitis B infection. This test can determine whether the hepatitis B virus (also known as the “surface antigen”) is present in the blood.
• VDRL test - The VDRL test is a syphilis screening test. It analyses antibodies, chemicals (proteins) produced by the body after coming into touch with the bacteria that cause syphilis.
• Blood Group test - ABO typing is a test that determines the blood group. Antibodies against type A and B blood are put into the blood sample. The sample is next examined for discovering if the blood cells adhere to one another. If blood cells stay together, it indicates one of the antibodies in the blood has responded.
• HCV test - An HCV antibody test is used to determine whether or not an individual has got infected with the hepatitis C virus. The HCV antibody test, often known as the anti-HCV test, examines the blood for antibodies to the hepatitis C virus.
• Serum Iron test - A serum iron test measures the circulating iron levels. They request this laboratory test when doctors are worried about iron deficiency, leading to anaemia and other disorders.

How frequently should you take this test?

Every pregnant woman will require at least four prenatal check-ups. However, it should be noted that this is merely a minimal need; depending on the woman’s condition and demands, further visits may be required. As per the prenatal checks, a pregnant woman is required to get the ANC profile test done every four months.

The ranges for the ANC Profile test are as follows.