Complete blood count (Hematocrit, Hemoglobin, White Blood Cell Count)
Completed at initial visit, 28, 36 weeks
This test is completed to survey the general health and well-being of mothers. This gives a baseline that can also be used during pregnancy to assess the mother.
Type and Rh
Completed at initial visit
This test is completed to determine mother’s blood type; if mother is Rh negative she will receive a Rhogam injection at 27 weeks, and possibly after delivery if fetus is Rh positive.
Antibody Screen
Completed at initial visit, 36 weeks
Rubella
Completed at initial visit
This test is completed to assess if the mother will need an injection for Rubella immunity after pregnancy.
50 Gram 1 Hour Glucose Challenge Test
24 to 28 weeks
This test is completed to indicate possible gestational diabetes.
HBsAg
Completed at initial visit, as indicated
These are completed to indicate high risk maternal-fetal transmission that can be reduced by prophylactic administration with medications.
Urinalysis
Completed at initial visit
This test is completed to survey the general health and well-being of mothers. This gives a baseline that can also be used during pregnancy to assess the mother.
Urine cultural and sensitivity
Completed at initial visit
This test is completed to survey the general health and well-being of mothers. This gives a baseline that can also be used during pregnancy to assess the mother.
Glucose/protein
Completed at each visit
These are completed to detect protein or glucose in the urine to treat early onset of complications such as Gestational Hypertension or Gestational Diabetes
Pap smear
Completed at initial visit
This test is completed to survey the general health and well-being of mothers. This can also detect any possible complication that may arise during the pregnancy or labor.
Group B Strep culture
Completed at 36 weeks
This is a culture completed to find the status for GBS in the mother. If she is positive she will require treatment with antibiotics during labor to decrease transmission to the fetus.
GC/Chlamydia probe
Completed at initial visit, 36 weeks
These are completed to indicate high risk maternal-fetal transmission that can be reduced by prophylactic administration with medications.
Rh Antibody
Completed at initial visit, 28weeks
This test is completed to determine mother’s blood type, if mother is Rh negative she will receive a rhogam injection at 27 weeks, and possible after delivery in fetus is Rh positive
HIV
Completed at initial visit, 36 weeks
This can be completed to indicate high risk maternal-fetal transmission of HIV that can be reduced by prophylactic administration of antiretroviral medications before and during pregnancy
Maternal serum screening (double, triple, quadruple screen)
Completed at 15 to 20 weeks
This test is completed to assess mothers that are high risk for possible genetics complications.
Sickle cell screen
Completed at initial visit
This test is completed to indicate high risk patients for Sickle Cell traits.
Tay-Sachs screen
Completed at initial visit
This test is completed to indicate high risk patients for Tay-Sachs.
PPD (tuberculin screen)
Completed at initial visit
This test is completed to indicate high risk patients for Tuberculosis.
Reference:
Simpson, Kathleen Rice: Creehan, Patricia A. (2008). Perinatal Nursing. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
