Fetal Blood Typing

During pregnancy, some fetal blood cells circulate in the mother’s blood. If these cells can be separated from the mother’s cells, tests can be done to learn more about the fetus.  Sometimes this information is useful in deciding what care is needed during a pregnancy.  The concept is attractive because it carries fewer risks for the pregnancy than other invasive tests.

At this time, if a mother has Rh disease or anti-D antibodies, OSU can use her blood to determine if the fetus has Rh positive or Rh negative blood type. In addition, OSU is one of several research sites in the US and Canada studying the use of mother’s blood to determine the baby’s Rh type during normal pregnancies.

Researchers are working on perfecting other tests of the fetus using maternal blood.