Clinical Implementation of RHD NIPT in a Tertiary Obstetric Centre in Western Australia

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Genetics
• Immunology

Background:

• RhD incompatibility poses risks in pregnancy.
• Optimal use of RhD immunoglobulin (RhD Ig) is crucial for RhD-negative women carrying RhD-positive fetuses.
• Accurate prediction of fetal RhD status can refine RhD Ig administration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a clinically robust non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) for fetal RhD status.
• To optimize RhD immunoglobulin use among RhD-negative pregnant women.
• To assess healthcare professional confidence and test uptake post-implementation.

Main Methods:

• Development and implementation of a clinically robust RhD NIPT.
• Creation of clinical guidelines and educational support tools.
• Post-implementation surveys of healthcare professionals and guideline reviews.

Main Results:

• High confidence (90%) among healthcare professionals in offering the RhD NIPT.
• Significant test uptake (87% ordered by surveyed professionals).
• Appropriate RhD Ig use confirmed in all reviewed cases (50 women).

Conclusions:

• Successful implementation of RhD NIPT screening ensures safe, targeted care for RhD-negative pregnancies.
• The RhD NIPT enhances clinical decision-making regarding RhD Ig administration.
• This approach optimizes resource allocation and patient safety in obstetric care.