Question 1

What is Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN)?

Accepted Answer

Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN) is a blood disorder where a mother's antibodies attack and destroy her baby's red blood cells during pregnancy or after birth. It is caused by blood type incompatibility between mother and baby, most commonly Rh incompatibility when an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive baby, or ABO incompatibility when a type O mother carries a baby with type A, B, or AB blood. The Rh Typing test combined with Antibody Screen is the most important test for diagnosis and prevention of HDN.

Question 2

What causes Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn?

Accepted Answer

Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn is caused by blood type incompatibility between mother and baby. The most common cause is Rh incompatibility, which occurs when an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive baby inherited from the father. When the baby's Rh-positive blood cells enter the mother's bloodstream during pregnancy or delivery, her immune system recognizes them as foreign and produces antibodies against them. These antibodies can cross the placenta and attack the baby's red blood cells, causing them to break down. ABO incompatibility is another cause, occurring when a type O mother carries a baby with type A, B, or AB blood.

Question 3

What is the best test for Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn?

Accepted Answer

The Rh Typing test is the most important test for preventing Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn because it identifies whether a pregnant woman has Rh-negative blood, which is the primary risk factor for developing this condition. This simple blood test determines your Rh factor status early in pregnancy, allowing your doctor to monitor for incompatibility if your baby inherits Rh-positive blood from the father. The Antibody Screen, RBC with Reflex to Identification, Titer, and Antigen Typing is essential as a follow-up test because it detects whether your immune system has already started producing antibodies against your baby's blood cells and measures the severity of the antibody response. The ABO Grouping and Rho(D) Typing provides comprehensive information about both your ABO blood type and Rh factor, catching both types of incompatibility that can cause HDN.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested during your first prenatal visit in early pregnancy, ideally within the first trimester. All pregnant women need blood typing and antibody screening as part of routine prenatal care, regardless of whether this is their first pregnancy. If you are Rh-negative, you will need repeat antibody screening around 28 weeks of pregnancy to check if antibodies have developed. Women who have had previous pregnancies, miscarriages, abortions, or blood transfusions should be especially vigilant about early testing since previous exposure to incompatible blood increases the risk of antibody formation. Getting tested early allows your healthcare provider to administer preventive treatments like Rh immunoglobulin injections that can stop HDN from developing.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn typically appear within the first 24 to 72 hours after birth and include severe jaundice that causes yellowing of the baby's skin and eyes, pale skin due to anemia from destroyed red blood cells, an enlarged liver and spleen as these organs work overtime to process broken-down blood cells, and fluid accumulation in the baby's tissues causing swelling. In severe cases, babies may develop hydrops fetalis, a life-threatening condition with massive fluid buildup throughout the body. During pregnancy, ultrasound may show signs like an enlarged fetal liver or spleen, excess amniotic fluid, or thickening of the placenta. Some babies may appear lethargic, feed poorly, or have difficulty breathing after birth due to severe anemia.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn?

Accepted Answer

Women with Rh-negative blood are at highest risk for Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn, especially if the baby's father has Rh-positive blood. The risk increases significantly if you have had previous pregnancies with Rh-positive babies, as each pregnancy can sensitize your immune system further. Women with type O blood carrying babies with type A, B, or AB blood are at risk for ABO incompatibility, though this form is usually milder. Previous miscarriages, abortions, ectopic pregnancies, or amniocentesis procedures can expose you to fetal blood cells and trigger antibody production. Women who have received blood transfusions with incompatible blood types or who have not received Rh immunoglobulin injections during or after previous pregnancies face increased risk.

Question 7

What happens if Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn can lead to severe and potentially fatal complications. The breakdown of red blood cells releases bilirubin, which accumulates to dangerous levels and can cause kernicterus, a type of permanent brain damage that results in cerebral palsy, hearing loss, vision problems, and intellectual disabilities. Severe anemia from destroyed red blood cells can lead to heart failure as the baby's heart struggles to pump oxygen-depleted blood throughout the body. In the most severe cases, babies can develop hydrops fetalis before birth, with massive fluid accumulation in body tissues that is often fatal without immediate treatment. Even with treatment, babies who had severe HDN may face long-term complications including developmental delays, learning disabilities, and ongoing anemia requiring blood transfusions.

Question 8

Can Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn can be predicted and diagnosed through blood tests performed during pregnancy. The Rh Typing test identifies whether you have Rh-negative blood, which is the primary risk factor. The Antibody Screen detects whether your immune system has already produced antibodies against your baby's blood cells and measures antibody levels to assess risk severity. These maternal blood tests are performed early in pregnancy and repeated around 28 weeks if you are Rh-negative. After birth, the baby's blood is tested with a direct Coombs test to detect antibodies coating the baby's red blood cells, along with bilirubin levels to assess jaundice severity and a complete blood count to check for anemia. During pregnancy, amniocentesis may be performed in high-risk cases to measure bilirubin levels in the amniotic fluid.

Question 9

How is Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn depends on severity and begins with prevention through Rh immunoglobulin (RhoGAM) injections given to Rh-negative mothers at 28 weeks of pregnancy and within 72 hours after delivery to prevent antibody formation. For babies born with HDN, phototherapy using special blue lights breaks down excess bilirubin in the skin to treat jaundice. Severe cases may require exchange transfusion, where the baby's blood is gradually replaced with donor blood to remove antibodies and bilirubin while correcting anemia. In extreme cases detected before birth, intrauterine blood transfusions can be performed while the baby is still in the womb. After birth, babies are closely monitored for several weeks with regular blood tests to check bilirubin levels and anemia, and may need additional treatments like intravenous immunoglobulin to reduce antibody activity.

Question 10

How can I prevent Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn?

Accepted Answer

Prevention of Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn centers on early blood testing and Rh immunoglobulin injections for at-risk mothers. If you are Rh-negative, you should receive RhoGAM injections at 28 weeks of pregnancy and within 72 hours after delivery if your baby is Rh-positive. You also need RhoGAM after any event that could mix your blood with the baby's blood, including miscarriage, abortion, ectopic pregnancy, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, or any abdominal trauma during pregnancy. Getting blood type and antibody screening tests during your first prenatal visit allows early identification of risk factors. Attending all prenatal appointments ensures proper monitoring and timely intervention. If antibodies are already present from a previous pregnancy, close monitoring with regular ultrasounds and antibody titer measurements helps doctors intervene quickly if the baby shows signs of distress.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support a baby with Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn?

Accepted Answer

While Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn requires medical treatment, you can support your baby's recovery at home under medical supervision. Ensure your baby gets plenty of exposure to indirect natural sunlight near a window, as sunlight helps break down bilirubin, but never place the baby in direct sunlight which can cause burns. Feed your baby frequently, every 2 to 3 hours, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, as adequate hydration helps flush bilirubin from the body through urine and stool. Monitor your baby closely for worsening jaundice by checking if the yellow color spreads from the face down to the chest, abdomen, or legs, and contact your doctor immediately if this occurs. Keep all follow-up appointments for blood tests to monitor bilirubin levels and anemia. Watch for signs of severe complications like extreme sleepiness, difficulty waking for feedings, high-pitched crying, or arching of the back, which require immediate emergency care.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn Blood Test

What is Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN)?

What causes Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn?

What is the best test for Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn?

When should I get tested for Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn?

References

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Us vs. Them

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

Ask Me Anything