test Details

Pregnancy screening, autoimmune disorder

Our red blood cells have a protein called Rh that is found on their surface. When the protein is present on the surface of the cells, the individual is Rh-positive. The absence of the protein makes the individual Rh-negative. Most people have Rh-positive blood.

While Rh-positive is the more common type, having Rh-negative blood does not indicate any illness. It also does not impact your health.

Like we have the blood groups A, B, and O, similarly, the Rh groups are formed. It is important to ensure someone with Rh-negative blood does not receive blood from Rh-positive. It can cause a severe reaction that can prove fatal.

Being Rh-compatible is extremely important during pregnancy. Suppose the baby is Rh-positive and is growing inside an Rh-negative mother. In that case, her body will begin to produce antibodies against the baby’s Rh protein since it is perceived as a foreign body. While the first baby may not be affected by this reaction, it can lead to severe complications during the second pregnancy if the same combination appears.

The Rh antibody titre report is generally requested in pregnant women who have Rh antibodies. This can be confirmed through an initial test. It is a crucial screener since many women may not show signs of Rh incompatibility. However, there are specific manifestations that may be seen in the baby as it grows. Some of these include Haemolytic anaemia: A condition arising from the rapid destruction of RBCs. Some noticeable symptoms include

• Jaundice or yellowish tints around the eyes and on the skin
• Pale skin
• Low energy
• Rapid heart rate
• Fast breathing
• Large abdomen

Hydrops fetalis: A condition where there is marked fluid accumulation in certain parts of the body. Apparent symptoms include: Enlarged heart, liver, or spleen, Accumulation of fluid in the scalp, lungs, or stomach

Over 2-10 per cent of Indian women are Rh-negative. The number of babies born with conditions due to Rh incompatibility has decreased due to medical intervention and better neonatal care. However, this is still responsible for several cases of neuro-morbidity and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

The Rh antibody titre test is critical in understanding Rh-negative pregnant women and developing a safe pregnancy plan for them.

What Rh Antibody Titre Measures and Who It is For

The test is conducted to check for Rh negativity in the blood serum.

While this is most commonly used in pregnant women to check if there is compatibility with the Rh group of the foetus, the test’s main aim is to check for the strength of immunity in the body.

It is also conducted in the following situations:

• While determining an autoimmune disorder
• When there have been infections – recent or past
• When a booster shot is due

While the Rh antibody test is helpful in pregnancy, it is also used to check general health. The test ascertains the immune strength of the body.

A normal Rh antibody titre report shows a healthy individual. An abnormal result may be an indicator of issues including

• X-linked hyper-IgM syndrome
• Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (aPL)
• Hyper-IgE syndrome
• Abnormal results could stem from infections experienced currently or in the past.

Some of them include:

• Hepatitis
• Meningitis
• Chickenpox
• Diphtheria
• Helicobacter pylori

An abnormal test may have implications for the baby as well. The values must be considered while looking at the other antibody levels in the blood. An abnormal Rh antibody titre result may be an indicator of haemolytic issues (when red blood cells break down at a faster-than-normal rate).

The Rh antibody titre is conducted as a regular blood test. The blood sample can be drawn at any time during the day and does not require fasting.

Rh Antibody Titre Test Preparation

This test requires no prior preparation. You need not fast before taking the blood test. However, it is essential to discuss your history and medication with your physician. You might be asked to discontinue certain medications for the test. It is also essential to let your doctor know if there has been a history of chemotherapy.

Rh Antibody Titre Test Inclusions and Parameters

The Rh antibody titre will give you an insight into the following parameters:

• Whether the blood sample is Rh positive or negative
• If Rh-positive, it will tell you how high or low the titre is.

The test helps reveal the compatibility between the blood types of the mother and baby. It also helps ascertain how the pregnancy must be monitored. And suggests a course of action to be followed to manage the baby’s health before delivery.

How Frequently You Should Take the Test

The Rh antibody titre is an extremely critical test that checks the health and development of the foetus. So an Rh-negative pregnant mother will be required to take the test once during the third trimester, around week 28, and at the time of delivery.