Antenatal Profile LIS Code: ANTE NATAL PROF
Comprehensive antenatal blood test for pregnant women assessing thyroid, iron, glucose, infections, and blood group markers to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby.
What's included in this profile
- Checks for unexpected red cell antibodies in the blood
- Important for transfusion safety and in pregnancy
- Usually performed alongside blood grouping
- Identifies your ABO blood group and Rh (positive/negative) status
- Essential information for transfusions and pregnancy care
- A oneoff test, as blood group doesn't change
- Measures red cells, white cells and platelets
- A foundational test for overall health, anaemia and infection
- The 'Differential' breaks white cells down by specific type
- The main sugar circulating in the blood, used for energy
- Raised fasting levels can indicate prediabetes or diabetes
- A cornerstone test for metabolic health
- The amount of iron currently circulating in the blood
- Fluctuates through the day, so interpreted alongside ferritin
- Low levels can contribute to irondeficiency anaemia
- A screening test for syphilis infection
- A standard part of sexual health screening panels
- A positive result is followed up with confirmatory testing
- The pituitary hormone that signals the thyroid to produce T3/T4
- The primary firstline test for thyroid function
- Raised or low levels suggest an underactive or overactive thyroid
- A general screening test of a urine sample
- Checks for signs of infection, kidney issues or metabolic problems
- Often the starting point for further targeted testing
About this profile
Antenatal Profile
The Antenatal Profile is a comprehensive blood test designed to monitor the health of pregnant women and support a safe, healthy pregnancy. It assesses a wide range of essential markers that provide valuable insights into both maternal and fetal well-being, allowing early detection and management of potential complications during pregnancy.
What is the Antenatal Profile?
This profile includes multiple tests that evaluate vital aspects of blood health, hormonal balance, and infection screening:
Full Blood Count (FBC) + Differential: Analyses red and white blood cell counts, haemoglobin, and platelets to assess overall blood health and detect anaemia.
Atypical Antibody Screen: Detects abnormal antibodies that may pose a risk to the fetus, ensuring appropriate monitoring and treatment.
Glucose: Measures blood sugar levels to screen for gestational diabetes and assess metabolic health.
Syphilis Antibody (Syphilis Ab): Identifies antibodies linked to syphilis infection, crucial for preventing transmission to the baby.
Urine Examination: Checks for urinary tract infections or other kidney-related issues that can impact pregnancy.
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Evaluates thyroid function, which is important for healthy growth and development of the baby.
Iron: Measures iron levels to identify anaemia and support adequate oxygen supply for both mother and child.
Blood Group + Rh Factor: Determines blood type and Rh compatibility to manage potential blood group-related complications.
Indications for testing
This test is recommended for:
Pregnant women: To monitor maternal and fetal health throughout pregnancy.
Screening for complications: Including anaemia, gestational diabetes, thyroid imbalance, and infections.
Routine prenatal evaluation: For overall pregnancy monitoring and preventive care.
What can be detected?
The Antenatal Profile helps identify and manage:
Anaemia and blood disorders through FBC and iron analysis.
Gestational diabetes by evaluating glucose levels.
Infections such as syphilis to prevent transmission to the baby.
Thyroid imbalances that could affect maternal metabolism and fetal growth.
Blood group and Rh incompatibilities to avoid haemolytic complications.
Fasting requirements
Fasting is required before this test for accurate glucose measurement.
Key benefits
The Antenatal Profile provides a detailed assessment of key health parameters that influence pregnancy outcomes. By identifying risks early, it supports timely medical intervention, promotes a healthy pregnancy, and ensures optimal care for both mother and baby.
