Prenatal Panel
Reviewed
Also called: OB panel, obstetric panel
A group of blood tests done in early pregnancy to check for diseases and infections that can affect the health of you and your developing baby. The results can guide treatments to help prevent serious complications.
Specimen: Blood
Urgent safety information
Prompt
Why this test may be ordered
- To find health problems early in pregnancy so that many conditions can be treated to avoid complications.
- To guide treatments for your baby immediately after birth if needed.
Preparation and collection
No special preparations needed.
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The procedure usually takes less than five minutes.
According to MedlinePlus, there is no risk to your developing baby and very little risk to you. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.
Understanding results
Your healthcare provider will interpret your results. The table below shows possible result patterns.
- Normal: All tests in the panel are within normal ranges. No signs of infections, blood disorders, or Rh incompatibility. You are immune to rubella if tested. Limitation: A normal result does not guarantee that no conditions will develop later in pregnancy. Follow your provider's recommended schedule for prenatal visits. Next step: Routine
- Abnormal: One or more tests show results outside normal ranges. This may indicate conditions such as Rh incompatibility, infections (hepatitis, STIs, HIV), or lack of rubella immunity. Limitation: Abnormal results do not always mean a serious problem. Your provider will discuss the specific findings and may recommend additional testing or treatment. Next step: Prompt
- No test is 100% accurate. False-positive or false-negative results are possible.
- The prenatal panel does not screen for all possible pregnancy complications.
What to do next
If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.
- What do my specific results mean for me and my baby?
- Do I need any follow-up tests or treatments?
- How will these results affect my prenatal care plan?