Laboratory Tests

Some routine lab tests are done on all pregnant women at different times during the pregnancy. Other tests are done for a specific indication.

As early in pregnancy as feasible, obtain:

• Hemoglobin or hematocrit

• White blood count and platelet count

• Urinalysis

• Blood group and Rh type

• Atypical antibody screen

• Rubella antibody titer

• RPR or VDRL

• Hepatitis B screen

• HIV

• Pap Smear

• Chlamydia/Gonorrhea

Subsequent lab tests consists of:

• Amniocentesis or CVS for women age 35 at 10-17 weeks

• Maternal serum AFP at 16-18 weeks

• Hemoglobin or hematocrit at 28 weeks

• Serum glucose at 1-hour post 50g glucose load at 28 weeks

• Administration of Rhogam to Rh negative women

Other tests may be indicated, based on individual risk factors. These might include screening for Sickle Cell disease (or trait), thalassemia, G6PD, tuberculosis.

Follow-up tests may also be needed, based on the original screen. For example, a woman found to be very anemic might be evaluated with serum folate and ferritin levels. A woman failing her glucose screening test will probably need a full glucose tolerance test.