Immunohaematological Testing of the Antenatal Patient: Is the Rh(D) Positive Woman as important as the Rh(D) Negative Woman?

During a 4-year period postnatal samples referred for testing for anti-Rh(D) immunoglobulin eligibility were analysed for irregular red cell antibodies. Fifty two (2%) of 2,600 samples received contained antibodies to a variety of red cell antigens. Twenty four (46%) of these antibodies were undiagnosed prior to term and were a chance finding only on postnatal testing. Eleven of these latter antibodies (45%) had the potential for neonatal morbidity. The frequency of antenatal testing is discussed in relation to the Rh(D) positive as well as the Rh(D) negative woman.