Obstetric Panel

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Topic Overview

An obstetric panel is a group of blood tests done to check the health of a woman before and during early pregnancy. The results of these tests can help find certain problems during the pregnancy. They can also help guide any treatment needed for a woman during pregnancy or for a baby immediately after birth.

Blood type, antibody screening, and a complete blood count (CBC) are all part of an obstetric panel. Your doctor can check to see if you have Rh- negative blood. Problems may occur if your blood is Rh-negative and your baby’s blood is Rh-positive. This is called Rh incompatibility. If your baby has Rh-positive blood (usually determined right after birth), steps will be taken to prevent possible problems caused by the incompatibility. For example, you will probably receive an immune globulin shot to prevent Rh sensitization.

Other tests in the panel show if an infection such as syphilis, hepatitis B, or rubella (also known as German measles) is present. You may also be tested to see if you are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

For more information, see the medical tests:

• Blood Type.
• Antibody Screen.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC).
• Syphilis.
• Hepatitis B.
• Rubella.
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

If the term "w/reflex" is listed in your test results, this means that the blood test was repeated to confirm a positive result on your first obstetric panel test.

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Last updated:	August 20, 2007
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer