Rh Incompatibility

Alternate Names : Erythroblastosis Fetalis, Kernicterus, Hydrops Fetalis, Rh Isoimmunization

How is the disease diagnosed?

When diagnosing Rh incompatibility, a healthcare provider will obtain a full history of the mother. This should include her blood type and information about previous pregnancies and previous blood transfusions. A blood test should be done to check the mother's blood type and to see if she has antibodies to the Rh factor. Also, the father should have a blood test done to determine his blood type and to see if he has the Rh factor.

Tests of the amniotic fluid, the fluid that surrounds the fetus during pregnancy, can be done to see if there are Rh antibodies.

Tests that may be performed on a newborn include a test for Rh antibodies and a blood count from the cord blood. Scans to evaluate the function of the heart, liver, spleen, and brain may also be recommended.