Antenatal Profile Comprehensive Test

This test is carried out during the first trimester of pregnancy and is used to assess the general health of a pregnant female, along with checking for infectious diseases like HIV, diabetes, thyroid and other genetically transferable diseases. The test also helps the doctor to ensure the health of the fetus by checking for the possibility of problems that might affect the fetus’s development and that might require special treatment. The factors include testing for hemoglobin electrophoresis, complete blood count, blood group and Rh factor, Glucose F&PP, Urinalysis, HIV 1&2, HBsAg, Anti-HCV, VDRL, Rubella IgG & IgM and TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone).

No special preparation is required for the test. In case of Glucose F&PP or glucose fasting and post meal, overnight fasting is mandatory. The doctor should be informed of prior medical history and medications being taken and existing allergies, for specific instructions.

The test is used to check for abnormal values of the factors mentioned above.
The factors are as follows:
CBC indicates the hemoglobin level of the patient. Low levels are indicative of sickle cell anemia or an iron deficiency
Blood group and Rh factor signify the presence or the absence of the Rh factor in the fetus and the mother and vice versa.
Glucose F&PP tests for high sugar levels in the body of the mother.
HIV 1&2 test indicates the presence or absence of the HIV 1&2 viruses in the body of the mother and early detection and treatment can prevent the transmission of the disease to the fetus.
HBsAg and Anti-HCV are carried out to check the presence of Hepatitis 1 and 2 viruses.
VDRL tests are carried out to check the presence of syphilis.
Hemoglobin electrophoresis indicates the presence of abnormal hemoglobin.
Rubella IgG & IgM tests for the presence of antibodies in the blood from a prior rubella infection suffered by the mother.
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) tests for high levels of TSH in the body of the mother which can be due to excess production of estrogen and a hormone called hCG.

The area is cleaned with an antiseptic. A sample of blood is taken with the help of a sterile swab. A needle is inserted into the vein and the nozzle is withdrawn. Pressure is applied on the area to stem the blood flow. A gauze or cotton is stuck on the area. In urinalysis a sample of urine is taken at a single time.