Perinatal Testing Services - Edmonton, AB
Test Catalogue
Contact Information
Canadian Blood Services
Edmonton Centre
Diagnostic Services
8249 114 St.
Edmonton, AB T6G 2R8
AB-NWT Diagnostic Services Contact Information
Recommended Perinatal Test Guidelines
Recommended Perinatal Test Guidelines AB (PDF)
Canadian Blood Services (CBS) provides screening of pregnant women for blood type and red blood cell antibodies under a program funded by Alberta Ministry of Health. This screening provides information to assist physicians, midwives and nurse practitioners in ensuring the appropriate management of a pregnancy for both the mother and baby.
| Clinical scenario | Sample submission timelines |
|---|---|
First Pregnancy | Initial visit and at 26-28 weeks gestation |
Rh positive – previous report on file – antibody screen negative | Initial visit* |
Rh negative – antibody screen negative | Initial visit and 26-28 weeks gestation (collect prior to RhIG injection) |
Clinically significant antibodies detected: non-critical result exclusions | Initial visit and monthly during 1st and 2nd trimester Frequency of sample request may be individualized as indicated on the result report. Paternal sample requested for ABO/Rh(D) and phenotype |
Clinically significant antibodies with critical titres exclusions | Referral to MFM is strongly recommended when antibody has reached a critical value or is rapidly rising. Patients with clinically significant antibodies and history of HDFN should be referred to MFM regardless of titre value. A clinically significant antibody is not routinely titred after a critical value has been reached (typically >16). The detection of anti-K is a critical result regardless of titre strength and titration is not routinely performed. Note: Antibody titration will be performed if requested by the health care provider. |
Father | When the mother has a clinically significant antibody the father’s specimen is requested by CBS for phenotyping to predict the risk of hemolytic disease of the fetus/newborn (HDFN). |
*Additional samples may be submitted for patients at increased risk of allo-immunization (previous transfusion, fetal trauma or procedure, IV drug use, etc.).
Available Perinatal Tests
Perinatal Requisitions and Forms
TEST | REQUISITIONS AND FORMS |
|---|---|
Maternal Testing (ABO/RhD Typing / Antibody Screen / Antibody ID) | Perinatal Testing for Red Blood Cell Serology (PDF) |
Father’s ABO RhD and Phenotyping (Maternal clinically significant antibody or RhD negative) | Perinatal Testing for Red Blood Cell Serology (PDF) (Electronic Fillable Form) |
Fetal Genotyping from Maternal Plasma Requisitions Testing is only available for Canadian residents. Please contact International Blood Group Reference Laboratory for testing inquires. https://ibgrl.blood.co.uk/services/molecular-diagnostics/fetal-genotyping-diagnostic/ | International Blood Group Reference Laboratory Requisition DS (PDF) (Use the link to download the Fetal Genotyping from Maternal Blood form FRM4674) Fetal Genotyping from Maternal Plasma (PDF) Guidance for Completion of International Blood Group Laboratory Requisition |
| Fetal Genotyping from Maternal Plasma Consent | Consent for Release of Neonatal Test Results (PDF) |
Fetal Genotyping from Maternal Plasma Instructions | Fetal Genotyping on Maternal Plasma Collection Site Instructions AB (PDF) Fetal Genotyping on Maternal Plasma Maternal Fetal Medicine Instructions (PDF) |
| Fetal Genotyping from Amniotic Fluid Requisitions | Versiti Wisconsin Immunohematology (PDF) |
| Fetal Genotyping from Amniotic Fluid Instructions | Fetal Genotyping on Amniotic Fluid Testing Criteria and Collection Instructions (PDF) |
Critical Values
Test interpretation — Perinatal critical values
Diagnostic Services will provide a verbal report to the requesting facility or physician in the following cases:
- Anti-K is detected in maternal sample (when first time detected in the pregnancy and/or with a new pregnancy).
- Clinically significant antibody with a titre ≥ 16 in maternal sample (when first time detected in the pregnancy and/or with a new pregnancy).
- Significant increase in antibody titre detected during a pregnancy.
- New clinically significant antibody detected in the third trimester of the pregnancy.
Requesting Test Results
Perinatal test results are available in Netcare for patients with an Alberta PHN or Unique Lifetime Identifier (ULI) number. Perinatal test results are also available by fax request.
Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. MT
Weekends and statutory holidays: closed
Please use clinic/health care provider/hospital letterhead when requesting results and provide the following information:
• Patient first and last name
• PHN (Personal Health Number) or ULI
• Date of birth
• Requesting physician
• Facility/clinic fax number
Fax completed clinic/health care provider letterhead to Edmonton Diagnostic Services at: 780-431-8747