RBC Antibodies are the proteins produced by immune system response to foreign red blood cells. These antibodies are not harmful, but it will cause problems during blood transfusion and a pregnant woman with unborn baby.
What is Red Blood Cell Antibody?
RBC Antibodies are the proteins produced by immune system response to foreign red blood cells. These antibodies are not harmful, but it will cause problems during blood transfusion and a pregnant woman with unborn baby.
There are blood groups (A, B, AB or O) and Rh (positive or negative) factors which determine blood compatibility. When person receives blood that is not compatible with their own blood type, immune system will produce antibodies against foreign red blood cells. This can be serious to an individual or life threatening.
RED BLOOD CELL ANTIBODY SCREENING TEST used to detect these antibodies before they cause major health problems.
This test finds out blood compatibility in advance before blood transfusion.
Why Does Anyone Need Screening of RBC Antibody?
Red Blood Cell Antibody screening used to detect the blood for RBC antibody before blood transfusion or in pregnant woman.
Before blood transfusion – This test helps to check the compatibility between blood donors and receivers. If receivers’ blood has antibodies to donor blood, than immune system will attack the RBCs in the transfusion.
During pregnancy- Red cell antibody screening that could attack your unborn baby’s red blood cells causing serious health problems like anemia.
NOTE: Complications usually don’t happen during first pregnancy until the blood mix with the fetus’s blood until delivery, which means antibodies wont form until delivery.
But Rh compatibility may become a big problem if Rh negative woman is pregnant second time with Rh positive fetus. As soon as women’s body recognizes the foreign body, antibodies can pass into the fetus blood and attack red blood cells. It will cause Rh disease which is fatal for fetus.
What Happens During RBC Antibody Test?
RBC antibody screen test is done before transfusion and as prenatal testing. You don’t need any particular preparation before this test. A health care worker takes blood sample. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.
What do the Results Mean?
In case of blood transfusion
RBC antibody positive- It means an individual has RBC antibodies in their blood that could attack donor blood. This information will help the doctor to select the ideal blood donor for an individual.
RBC antibody negative- It means there’s no antibodies against RBC of donor blood.
In case of Pregnancy
Pre natal red blood cell antibody screen will detect the blood of female has any antibodies that could harm her baby.
RBC antibody positive- It means women have antibodies but what type of antibodies for that you may need to go for more tests.
In case of positive RH antibodies you may have frequent tests during pregnancy to monitor baby health.
In case of RBC antibodies but not Rh negative pregnancy time have to be watched very closely. If female id Rh negative they may need an injection to prevent your body from making RBC antibodies that can harm your baby or future baby.
What to do in Case of RH Incompatibility?
A medication Rh immune globulin (RHIG or RhoGAM) is injected to stop your body from making Rh antibodies. It’s only helpful if your body hasn’t already made Rh antibodies.
In case your body starts making antibodies against RBC best treatment is close monitoring and avoids early delivery.
What are Complications Associated with Positive RBC Antibody Screening?
Rh incompatibility doesn’t affect the pregnant person. In a fetus, it can cause hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic anemia destroys the fetus’s red blood cells faster than it can replace them.
he effects of Rh incompatibility can range from mild to severe. These effects may also include:
- Jaundice.
- Liver failure.
- Heart failure.
- Stillbirth.
For mild side effects, the fetus may not need any treatment. Most fetuses recover fully if they have a mild case of Rh disease.
For severe cases, the fetus may receive a blood transfusion. This procedure helps replace its red blood cells. Providers can use special lights to help reduce bilirubin levels in fetuses that have jaundice. You may need to give birth early to avoid serious complications of anemia.
Since the development of Rh immune globulin injections, Rh disease occurs infrequently.
What Happens if Antibodies Develop?
Treatment with Rh immune globulin won’t help if an Rh-negative person has already made antibodies. This is why it’s important to know your Rh factor and get treatment as soon as possible.
Do Anyone Need Treatment for RBC Antibody Positive Screening?
No treatment is required unless antibody level is very high, you may need to deliver baby early. Sometime baby will need a blood transfusion in the womb.
So, early detection is the best policy.
A Note from Ganesh Diagnostic & Imaging Centre
Rh positive, which is common, and if the blood is compatible it will not cause any health hazards.
RBC antibodies are permanent once you get them. You might not have enough to show up on a test, though. Tell your doctor right away if you've had a test for RBC antibodies and the results came back positive, especially if you require a blood transfusion or are pregnant.
To Seek Free Consultation From The Doctor:
Contact- Dr. Ravin Sharma, (MBBS, MD In Radiology)
Available: 24X7
Phone Number: +919212125996
Why Ganesh Diagnostic And Imaging Centre Should Be Your Preference To Screen Your RBC Antibody?
At Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, we are known for providing excellent service and care to its patients for decades. Lakhs of
Satisfied patients over the years!
Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations. NABH accreditation is proof of highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.
Test report is available online too.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of tests done, as all services are available under one roof.
The aim of GDIC is to provide world’s finest technology at the lowest price.
The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many tests.
