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. If you have Rh-negative blood and your baby has Rh-positive blood, this is called Rh incompatibility. Although it is not known for sure what the baby’s blood type is, steps can be taken to prevent problems caused by the incompatibility.

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