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| Antibody screenings, sometimes called Coombs tests or antiglobulin tests, are typically done in the first trimester of a woman's pregnancy to determine blood type and Rh status. Medical problems can arise from the mother and fetus having incompatible blood types. Most people -- upwards of 85% of the population -- have Rh factor, or are considered Rh-positive. Mothers that are Rh-negative are likely to have incompatibility issues with an Rh-positive fetus. There are two types of Rh factor antibody tests -- direct and indirect. Antibody testing is also done to determine whether a person has contracted HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. |
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| Typical costs: |
- For patients covered by medical insurance, antibody screens are typically done at no cost to the patient. For uninsured patients, a typical lab fee for antibody screening is $25 -$100. The Healthcare Blue Book estimates the cost of a direct antiglobulin test at $25 -$49, an indirect antiglobulin test is estimated at $50 -$99.
- Many independent labs offer antibody screen tests. Typically, costs for the test are $30 -$60. First Choice Labs USA charges $30 for an antibody screen. Request a Test charges $49 for an indirect antiglobulin test.
- For HIV antibody screening tests, the cost is about $10 -$20. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend three FDA-approved HIV test kits that cost $8 -$17.50.
What should be included: |
- Antibody screening tests involve a phlebotomist drawing blood on a patient. Typically, a patient will have an elastic band placed around their upper arm to stop blood flow. The needle insertion site is cleaned with alcohol as part of the preparation. A needle is placed in the vein and blood is collected. Lab technicians will examine the blood for Rh antibodies.
- WebMD provides information on prenatal antibody testing and what the results of the tests mean to the parent and child. The site also provides information on how to prepare and what to expect from the test.
Additional costs: |
- The cost of an office visit to a physician might be added to the cost of an antibody test. Expect an office visit to cost $25 -$100.
Discounts: |
- Medical insurance may cover the cost of an antibody screen. Contact the insurance provider for specific coverage details.
Shopping for an antibody test: |
- Baby Center, an informational parenting site, offers a comprehensive overview of Rh antibodies and why testing is important to the health of the mother and the child.
- The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute provides useful information about Rh incompatibility.
- Medicine Plus, a service of the National Library of Medicine, provides extensive information on the Coombs test and what abnormal results could mean.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated June 2011 |
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