What is the primary purpose of a qualitative fetal screen?

Prepare for the AMT Medical Laboratory Scientist Exam with engaging quizzes and practice questions. Utilize interactive tools to understand concepts, uncover key topics, and master your test! Get exam-ready!

The primary purpose of a qualitative fetal screen is to identify Rh-positive fetal cells in maternal blood. This procedure is critical in the context of Rh incompatibility, a situation that can arise during pregnancy when an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus. This condition can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn if not properly managed.

The identification of Rh-positive cells in maternal blood can inform healthcare providers about the potential risk of Rh incompatibility issues. If the screen is positive for fetal cells, further testing and possibly interventions, such as Rh immunoglobulin administration, may be required to protect the fetus and prevent complications.

In this context, measuring fetal heart rate focuses on assessing the fetus’s health status rather than identifying fetal cells. Checking for maternal anemia is important for maternal health but does not specifically relate to fetal cell identification. Determining maternal blood type is significant for various reasons, including blood transfusions, but it is not the primary goal of a qualitative fetal screen, which specifically looks for fetal cells in the maternal circulation.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy