routine

These routine laboratory tests can confirm

pregnancy and reveal maternal complications:
• blood type, Rh, and abnormal antibodies
to identify the fetus at risk for
erythroblastosis fetalis or hyperbilirubinemia
• immunologic tests such as rubella antibodies
to detect the presence of rubella, rapid
plasma reagin to detect untreated syphilis,
hepatitis B surface antigen to detect hepatitis B,
and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies
to detect HIV infection
• urine tests to detect UTI and to measure
human chorionic gonado tro pin (HCG) to confirm
pregnancy
• hematologic studies, in which blood
samples are used to analyze and measure
RBCs, white blood cells (WBCs), erythrocyte
sedimentation rate, platelets, Hb level, and
HCT
• coagulation studies, in which a blood
sample is used to analyze and measure
prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin
time (PTT), and International Normalized
Ratio (INR)
• genital cultures, such as a gonorrhea
smear and chlamydia test, to detect sexually
transmitted disease (STD)
• triple screen between 15 and 20 weeks’
gestation to identify if the fetus is at increased
risk for Down syndrome and neural tube
defects
• alpha fetoprotein, which involves using
a blood sample to measure alpha fetoprotein
levels (high maternal serum levels may suggest
fetal neural tube defects, such as spina
bifida and anencephaly).
Nursing actions
Before the procedure
• Explain the procedure to the client.
After the procedure
• Check the venipuncture site for bleeding if
blood was drawn.
• Label the specimen and send it to the laboratory.
Check your fluid?
Amniocentesis is usually performed after
14 weeks’ gestation, when amniotic fluid is
• transfers passive immunity by way of
maternal antibodies.