Antibody screen
An antibody screen, sometimes called an indirect Coombs test, is a blood test done early in pregnancy to check whether your blood contains antibodies that could harm your baby. These antibodies can develop if you have received a blood transfusion in the past, had a previous pregnancy, or are Rh negative and were exposed to Rh-positive blood. If antibodies are found, your doctor will monitor you and your baby more closely throughout pregnancy, as certain antibodies can cross the placenta and destroy the baby's red blood cells. The test is painless and forms part of routine antenatal bloodwork at your booking visit.
What This Means for You
Understanding Antibody screen is an important part of your pregnancy journey. During pregnancy, your care team will use this term regularly. Being familiar with it means you can ask better questions and feel more confident at your antenatal appointments.
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In Singapore, the antibody screen is part of the standard first-trimester blood panel offered at all public hospitals and many GP clinics. A positive result does not always mean there is a serious problem, as some antibodies carry little clinical risk, so your obstetrician will advise you based on the specific antibody identified.
Related Terms
Source: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/dictionary
Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
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