what is antibody screen test? and where to get it?

Hi Everyone,

I am planning to have my first baby. Last week I got my blood test
results from IVF office. They said I need to get Antibody screen test
from local Red Cross.

I am not very familiar with Antibody concept. My question is usually
why would Doctor say antibody screen test? Is it something serious or
Is it common test?

The other question is, Does Red cross do this for free or do they
charge?

Could you please share your knowledge or experience?

Thanks in advance.

Pravee.

Pravee wrote:

I am planning to have my first baby. Last week I got my blood test
results from IVF office. They said I need to get Antibody screen test
from local Red Cross.

I am not very familiar with Antibody concept. My question is usually
why would Doctor say antibody screen test? Is it something serious or
Is it common test?

What is your blood type? If your blood type is
Rh negative, then they're probably wanting you to test
to see if you have antibodies to the Rhesus factor. If
you do, that poses a danger to any Rh+ baby you might
conceive.

The other question is, Does Red cross do this for free or do they
charge?

Not a clue. Sorry. I can't imagine why they sent
you to the Red Cross. My care providers have always just
done this right along with the other blood tests.

Best wishes,
Ericka

I am planning to have my first baby. Last week I got my blood test
results from IVF office. They said I need to get Antibody screen test
from local Red Cross.

I am not very familiar with Antibody concept. My question is usually
why would Doctor say antibody screen test? Is it something serious or
Is it common test?

The other question is, Does Red cross do this for free or do they
charge?

Could you please share your knowledge or experience?

difficult to know costs or anything without knowing your location or
insurance situation etc. but an antibody test is just checking your blood to
find it's type in details, you probably know about the ABO typing system and
being rhesus +/-, but there are a few other things such as kell and anti
kell and others and having the blood checked in advance means it's in your
notes and then they can have blood ready for you if you need it. It's one of
the few tests that even fairly radical midwives still like to do, if you've
got a rare combo of antibodies, it can take days to get hold of the right
blood (sometimes it has to be mixed) and in some emergency situations you
don't have days.

Cheers

Anne

Hi Ericka,

Thanks for your reply....

Pravee.

Ericka Kammerer wrote:
Pravee wrote:

I am planning to have my first baby. Last week I got my blood test
results from IVF office. They said I need to get Antibody screen test
from local Red Cross.

I am not very familiar with Antibody concept. My question is usually
why would Doctor say antibody screen test? Is it something serious or
Is it common test?

What is your blood type? If your blood type is
Rh negative, then they're probably wanting you to test
to see if you have antibodies to the Rhesus factor. If
you do, that poses a danger to any Rh+ baby you might
conceive.

The other question is, Does Red cross do this for free or do they
charge?

Not a clue. Sorry. I can't imagine why they sent
you to the Red Cross. My care providers have always just
done this right along with the other blood tests.

Best wishes,
Ericka

Thanks for your reply Anne...


Anne Rogers wrote:
I am planning to have my first baby. Last week I got my blood test
results from IVF office. They said I need to get Antibody screen test
from local Red Cross.

I am not very familiar with Antibody concept. My question is usually
why would Doctor say antibody screen test? Is it something serious or
Is it common test?

The other question is, Does Red cross do this for free or do they
charge?

Could you please share your knowledge or experience?

difficult to know costs or anything without knowing your location or
insurance situation etc. but an antibody test is just checking your blood to
find it's type in details, you probably know about the ABO typing system and
being rhesus +/-, but there are a few other things such as kell and anti
kell and others and having the blood checked in advance means it's in your
notes and then they can have blood ready for you if you need it. It's one of
the few tests that even fairly radical midwives still like to do, if you've
got a rare combo of antibodies, it can take days to get hold of the right
blood (sometimes it has to be mixed) and in some emergency situations you
don't have days.

Cheers

Anne