Prenatal Panel

What is a prenatal panel?

A prenatal panel is a group of blood tests done in early pregnancy. The tests check for diseases and infections that can affect the health of you and your developing baby. The results of the tests can guide treatments, which may help prevent serious complications. A prenatal panel usually includes the following tests:

• Complete blood count (CBC). This test measures many different parts of your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It also measures the physical features pf some of the cells. A CBC can help diagnose various health conditions, such as anemia, clotting disorders, and infections.
• Blood type and Rh factor. This test finds out your blood type (A, B, AB, or O) and checks your Rh factor. Rh factor is a type of protein found on the surface of red blood cells. If your blood cells have this protein, you are Rh-positive. If they don't, you are Rh- negative. If you are Rh-negative and your developing baby is Rh-positive, it's called Rh incompatibility. It may cause your body to make antibodies against your baby's blood, which can damage your baby's red blood cells.
• Rubella, also known as German measles, is a viral infection. This test shows if you are immune to (protected against) rubella. You would be immune if you have been vaccinated against rubella or infected with it in the past. If you are not immune and you get the infection during pregnancy, it could put your baby at risk for congenital anomalies (health conditions that can develop before birth).
• Hepatitis B and C are viruses that infect your liver. If you're pregnant, the hepatitis virus can be passed to your baby. Hepatitis B is a test usually given during pregnancy. Hepatitis C is not routinely tested because it is not common. But you may be tested if you have certain risk factors.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Usually, you will be tested for chlamydia and syphilis early in your pregnancy. You may also be tested for gonorrhea if you have certain risk factors. An STI can lead to miscarriage or infect your baby during delivery. An STI can be dangerous to a newborn. It may cause blindness, breathing problems, or other health issues.
• HIV is a virus that attacks your immune system. If you have HIV, you may pass along the virus to your baby. If you are pregnant, you may be tested for HIV, and some states require testing.