Fetal Blood Testing

Alternate Names
fetal scalp blood
fetal scalp sampling

Definition of Fetal Blood Testing

Fetal scalp blood testing involves the examination of a blood sample from a baby's scalp vein. It is done while the mother is in labor.

Who is a candidate for the procedure?

Fetal scalp blood testing measures the oxygen to the baby's scalp during labor. This can be an indicator of the delivery of oxygen to the unborn child's brain and can help determine if it is safe to continue labor.

A fetal scalp blood test can also used to check the baby's platelet count. This measures the clotting ability of the baby's blood.

How is the procedure performed?

The woman in labor lies on her back or side with her knees bent. Her cervix, or uterine opening, should be at least 3 centimeters dilated. A small round cone is inserted into the vagina. It is placed into the dilated cervix and against the baby's scalp.

The baby's scalp is cleaned to prevent contamination. A small cut or nick is then made in the scalp. Fetal blood is extracted through a long tube placed at the site of the cut.

This sample is immediately analyzed to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood. The acid level, or pH, and carbon dioxide content of the blood can also be checked. A low blood pH level indicates that the baby is getting too little oxygen.

The baby's platelet count can also be measured.

What happens right after the procedure?

The healthcare provider will discuss the test results with the mother. A decision will be made to either continue labor or deliver the baby by C-section.

What happens later at home?

After the fetal scalp blood test is done, the normal procedures for delivery of the baby continue.

What are the potential complications after the procedure?

Bleeding and infection are uncommon possibilities. The benefits of identifying fetal distress usually outweigh the small risk of the procedure.

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