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Rh negative, antibody screen
I am Rh negative and have lost two pregnancies. I was given the Rh immune globulin shot both times, but am still concerned that I may have developed antibodies. Is it possible to test for these antibodies in my blood without being pregnant? I do not want to try again only to face another loss.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi!
It is possible to detect Rh antibodies when you are not pregnant. The test is called an indirect Coombs. This is a non-specific test that checks for any antibody in your blood. If antibodies are found on this test, the type of antibody can then be determined, as well as its titer (which means how much antibody there is). If you were given Rhogam, then you are probably OK. It is rare to become RH sensitized after a miscarriage, and even rarer when you are given Rhogam. I certainly understand your concerns about another miscarriage though!
Some other tests to consider: ANA (lupus test); Anticardiolipin antibodies; Antibeta2 glycoprotein antibodies; Lupus anticoagulant; MTHFR mutations; factor V leiden; prothrombin 20210A; anti-thyroid antibodies; these are tests that are usually reserved for women who have had three or more miscarriages. Also, we often check the uterus to be sure that the cavity shape is normal--without a septum for example. Certainly if you do have another miscarriage, you would want to have these things investigated!
Good luck!
Dr B
Sorry--the first time I posted this I got the nickname wrong--here it is again just in case you missed it!
It is possible to detect Rh antibodies when you are not pregnant. The test is called an indirect Coombs. This is a non-specific test that checks for any antibody in your blood. If antibodies are found on this test, the type of antibody can then be determined, as well as its titer (which means how much antibody there is). If you were given Rhogam, then you are probably OK. It is rare to become RH sensitized after a miscarriage, and even rarer when you are given Rhogam. I certainly understand your concerns about another miscarriage though!
Some other tests to consider: ANA (lupus test); Anticardiolipin antibodies; Antibeta2 glycoprotein antibodies; Lupus anticoagulant; MTHFR mutations; factor V leiden; prothrombin 20210A; anti-thyroid antibodies; these are tests that are usually reserved for women who have had three or more miscarriages. Also, we often check the uterus to be sure that the cavity shape is normal--without a septum for example. Certainly if you do have another miscarriage, you would want to have these things investigated!
Good luck!
Dr B
Sorry--the first time I posted this I got the nickname wrong--here it is again just in case you missed it!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi!
It is possible to detect Rh antibodies when you are not pregnant. The test is called an indirect Coombs. This is a non-specific test that checks for any antibody in your blood. If antibodies are found on this test, the type of antibody can then be determined, as well as its titer (which means how much antibody there is). If you were given Rhogam, then you are probably OK. It is rare to become RH sensitized after a miscarriage, and even rarer when you are given Rhogam. I certainly understand your concerns about another miscarriage though!
Some other tests to consider: ANA (lupus test); Anticardiolipin antibodies; Antibeta2 glycoprotein antibodies; Lupus anticoagulant; MTHFR mutations; factor V leiden; prothrombin 20210A; anti-thyroid antibodies; these are tests that are usually reserved for women who have had three or more miscarriages. Also, we often check the uterus to be sure that the cavity shape is normal--without a septum for example. Certainly if you do have another miscarriage, you would want to have these things investigated!
Good luck!
Dr B
It is possible to detect Rh antibodies when you are not pregnant. The test is called an indirect Coombs. This is a non-specific test that checks for any antibody in your blood. If antibodies are found on this test, the type of antibody can then be determined, as well as its titer (which means how much antibody there is). If you were given Rhogam, then you are probably OK. It is rare to become RH sensitized after a miscarriage, and even rarer when you are given Rhogam. I certainly understand your concerns about another miscarriage though!
Some other tests to consider: ANA (lupus test); Anticardiolipin antibodies; Antibeta2 glycoprotein antibodies; Lupus anticoagulant; MTHFR mutations; factor V leiden; prothrombin 20210A; anti-thyroid antibodies; these are tests that are usually reserved for women who have had three or more miscarriages. Also, we often check the uterus to be sure that the cavity shape is normal--without a septum for example. Certainly if you do have another miscarriage, you would want to have these things investigated!
Good luck!
Dr B
I just found this on another question someone has asked about Rh - .
Hope this helps. Its from one of the experts.
Hi!
The first thing to do is ask your doctor what tests were done. It is standard at 28 weeks to check glucose, blood count (CBC) and an antibody screen for those who are rh negative.
You should find out if you are negative! It is also helpful to know your blood type to. I'm certain your doctor would be willing to tell you that information--why not?
For people who are rh positive, we administer rhogam at 28 weeks. We give it later in the pregnancy so that we are sure to cover delivery. The data shows that this is preferable. We also give it after we test the antibody screen so that we don't get a false positive.
It never hurts to ask, you have every right to know your information!
Good luck!
Dr B
Hope this helps. Its from one of the experts.
Hi!
The first thing to do is ask your doctor what tests were done. It is standard at 28 weeks to check glucose, blood count (CBC) and an antibody screen for those who are rh negative.
You should find out if you are negative! It is also helpful to know your blood type to. I'm certain your doctor would be willing to tell you that information--why not?
For people who are rh positive, we administer rhogam at 28 weeks. We give it later in the pregnancy so that we are sure to cover delivery. The data shows that this is preferable. We also give it after we test the antibody screen so that we don't get a false positive.
It never hurts to ask, you have every right to know your information!
Good luck!
Dr B
Hi there, i too am Rh negative and at the end of last year i had a miscarriage and had the Immune shot. I am now 28 weeks pregnant again. Did you have the shots within 72 hrs from when you started bleeding? I am pretty sure you can get blood tests done that check for those anti bodies just go to your doctor and explain to them why you want them.
This will be my 3 child but 4th pregnancy. With my 1st born i had to have the shot because he was Rh positive but with my second i didn't as she was Rh Negative also. They told me i needed to have the shot within 72 hrs of giving birth or from when i started bleeding with the one i miscarried.
Not sure if i've helped any but i am pretty sure you can get your blood tested for the anti bodies.
This will be my 3 child but 4th pregnancy. With my 1st born i had to have the shot because he was Rh positive but with my second i didn't as she was Rh Negative also. They told me i needed to have the shot within 72 hrs of giving birth or from when i started bleeding with the one i miscarried.
Not sure if i've helped any but i am pretty sure you can get your blood tested for the anti bodies.
Hi Dr. Brown,
I just wanted to thank you so much for your response to me in June regarding the Coombs antibody test. I am living in Guatemala, and was able to go directly to a lab to have the test done, for a total of $25.00 US!!! I never would have been able to afford it in the states, nor would I have known what test to have done without seeing at least three doctors. Thank you so much for your help, and the help you offer numerous others. Fortunately no antibodies were found, and we will try again next year.
Thank you again
I just wanted to thank you so much for your response to me in June regarding the Coombs antibody test. I am living in Guatemala, and was able to go directly to a lab to have the test done, for a total of $25.00 US!!! I never would have been able to afford it in the states, nor would I have known what test to have done without seeing at least three doctors. Thank you so much for your help, and the help you offer numerous others. Fortunately no antibodies were found, and we will try again next year.
Thank you again
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