Routine 36-week hemoglobin and hematocrits: are they necessary?

Different schedules for hemoglobin and hematocrit (H&H) screening of pregnant women exist at various hospitals in the Air Force. Charts of women delivering between November 1990 through February 1991 were reviewed for 28-week, 36-week, and labor admission H&H; 111 were included in the study. Statistical analysis of the data obtained showed that 28-week values were significantly lower (p > 0.01) than the 36-week values, which were lower (p > 0.01) than those on admission. This study indicates that screening at 36 weeks does not improve prenatal care and increases both discomfort for the patient and the workload for the laboratory.