The indirect Coombs test is used to determine if there are antibodies to the Rh factor  in the mother’s blood. A blood sample is needed for this test and no special preparations are required.

A needle is inserted to draw blood. Some people feel moderate pain while others feel just a pricking or stinging.

What does the results of the  Coombs test mean ?

A normal ( negative) results means that the mother has not developed any antibodies  against the fetus blood. As a result the fetus is not in any danger  from problems associated with Rh compatibility.

An abnormal ( positive ) result means  the mother has developed antibodies to the fetal red blood cells and is sensitized. The test only indicates that an Rh positive fetus has the possibility of being harmed. It does not indicate the amount of harm that is likely to occur or that has already occurred.

If the test shows that antibody levels are rising during pregnancy,  the fetus may be at greater risk of harm.

An Rh negative fetus  will not be harmed even if the mother is sensitized.