Treatment Overview
Materal-Fetal Blood Compatibility Test in Korea is a key diagnostic procedure performed to assess whether immune incompatibility between the mother’s and baby’s blood types could be contributing to recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). This evaluation focuses primarily on Rh factor and ABO incompatibility, as well as rarer red blood cell antibodies that may trigger immune reactions during or after conception.
In Korea, this test is routinely included in RPL diagnostic protocols at major fertility and obstetric centers. Using advanced immunohematology analyzers and antibody screening systems, Korean laboratories can identify subtle incompatibilities and immune sensitizations that standard tests may overlook. This ensures accurate diagnosis and effective preventive treatment before future pregnancies.
Purpose & Benefits
The goal of the test is to detect maternal immune responses against fetal red blood cells that can lead to miscarriage, fetal anemia, or stillbirth.
Key benefits include:
- Identifies Rh incompatibility—when the mother is Rh-negative and the baby (or father) is Rh-positive.
- Detects ABO incompatibility, which can trigger mild to moderate immune reactions.
- Screens for rare antibodies (e.g., anti-Kell, anti-Duffy, anti-Lewis) that may affect fetal red blood cells.
- Helps prevent hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), a major cause of miscarriage and perinatal loss.
- Allows doctors to implement preventive therapies such as anti-D immunoglobulin (RhoGAM).
- Reduces the risk of complications in future pregnancies through close monitoring and early intervention.
Korean fertility and maternal-fetal medicine specialists place strong emphasis on blood compatibility testing as part of an integrated RPL workup, ensuring both partners are thoroughly evaluated.
Ideal Candidates
Maternal-Fetal Blood Compatibility Testing is recommended for:
- Women with two or more consecutive unexplained miscarriages.
- Mothers who are Rh-negative or with a known history of isoimmunization.
- Couples with blood type incompatibility between mother (O) and father (A, B, or AB).
- Women with prior pregnancy complications such as hemolytic anemia in the fetus, stillbirth, or neonatal jaundice.
- Patients with unexplained fetal growth restriction or hydrops fetalis in previous pregnancies.
- Couples planning IVF or donor embryo transfer, to ensure compatibility between donor and recipient blood groups.
By identifying blood-type incompatibility early, Korean clinicians can prevent immune sensitization before or during pregnancy.
Possible Risks & Complications
The test itself is non-invasive and safe, involving only a small blood sample. Minor risks include:
- Mild bruising or discomfort at the blood draw site.
- Rare allergic reaction to antiseptics or adhesive dressings.
- Anxiety while waiting for test results.
Korean laboratories operate under strict quality control standards and ISO-certified procedures to ensure safe handling and accurate results.
Techniques & Tests Used
Korean fertility and immunohematology laboratories utilize high-precision serologic and molecular diagnostic techniques to evaluate maternal-fetal compatibility.
Common tests include:
- Blood Typing (ABO and Rh Factor): Determines the mother’s and father’s blood groups and Rh status.
- Indirect Coombs Test (Antibody Screen): Detects antibodies in maternal blood that could attack fetal red cells.
- Direct Coombs Test (if needed): Identifies antibodies already attached to red cells, indicating active immune response.
- Extended Antibody Identification Panel: Screens for rare antibodies such as anti-Kell, anti-E, anti-C, or anti-Duffy.
- Paternal Rh Genotyping: Determines whether the father carries Rh-positive genes that could affect fetal compatibility.
- Fetal DNA Testing (non-invasive): In some advanced Korean centers, maternal blood is analyzed for fetal Rh-D status using cell-free DNA.
Korean hospitals often combine serologic testing with molecular immunogenetic analysis, offering unmatched accuracy and early risk detection.
Recovery & Aftercare
As a simple blood test, no recovery time is needed. Aftercare focuses on preventive measures and planning for future pregnancies:
- Review results with a maternal-fetal medicine or fertility specialist.
- If incompatibility is detected, treatment may include:
- Anti-D Immunoglobulin (RhoGAM) injection after miscarriage, abortion, or delivery (for Rh-negative mothers).
- Close pregnancy monitoring for antibody titers in subsequent pregnancies.
- Fetal monitoring via ultrasound or Doppler for signs of anemia or distress.
- Intrauterine transfusion in severe cases (extremely rare in early-stage losses).
- Regular follow-up before and during pregnancy to ensure antibodies remain under control.
Korean fertility clinics emphasize prevention, typically administering RhoGAM prophylaxis promptly after miscarriage or any bleeding event in Rh-negative patients.
Results & Longevity
- Test results clearly show maternal and paternal blood group compatibility, antibody status, and Rh sensitivity.
- A positive antibody screen indicates potential isoimmunization requiring monitoring and treatment.
- Once antibodies develop, they typically persist for life—so early prevention is crucial.
- Proper management and prophylaxis allow for safe and healthy pregnancies even in incompatible cases.
- Results guide lifelong reproductive planning, especially for women considering future pregnancies.
Korean specialists maintain meticulous records and long-term monitoring, ensuring patients are protected throughout subsequent pregnancies.
Treatment Process in Korea
A typical testing and management process in Korean fertility or obstetric clinics includes:
- Pre-Test Consultation: Medical history review, prior miscarriage analysis, and blood group assessment.
- Sample Collection: Maternal and paternal blood drawn for ABO/Rh typing and antibody screening.
- Laboratory Testing: Serologic and molecular tests performed using automated immunoassay platforms.
- Result Interpretation: Antibody identification and risk classification for fetal isoimmunization.
- Preventive Care Plan: If incompatibility exists, early anti-D injection and immune suppression strategy are planned.
- Follow-Up Monitoring: Repeat antibody testing and fetal surveillance in early pregnancy.
Why Korea is a Top Destination:
- State-of-the-art immunohematology labs using advanced analyzers for precise antibody detection.
- Integration of fertility and maternal-fetal medicine, ensuring complete RPL management.
- Personalized treatment protocols combining immunologic and obstetric expertise.
- Exceptional patient safety standards and global-level diagnostic accuracy.
- English-speaking, internationally accredited fertility programs catering to overseas patients.
Korean medical centers are globally recognized for their rigorous preventive care programs in immune-related pregnancy complications.
Cost Range
The cost of Maternal-Fetal Blood Compatibility Testing in Korea depends on the complexity of the analysis:
- Basic ABO/Rh Typing and Indirect Coombs Test: USD 100 – 200
- Extended Antibody Screen (including rare antibodies): USD 300 – 600
- Comprehensive Immunohematology Panel with Genetic Rh Typing: USD 700 – 1,200
- RPL Evaluation Package (including Immunologic and Blood Compatibility Tests): USD 1,500 – 2,500
Korean fertility centers offer transparent pricing with rapid turnaround times, often delivering results within 1–2 days.
Popular Clinics
Reputable Korean hospitals and fertility centers providing advanced Maternal-Fetal Blood Compatibility Testing include:
- CHA Fertility Center (Seoul): Renowned for immunologic and hematologic RPL evaluations.
- Maria Fertility Hospital: Offers integrated maternal immunology and fertility testing.
- MizMedi Women’s Hospital: Specializes in RPL diagnosis with on-site immunohematology labs.
- GynART Reproductive Center: Provides comprehensive blood compatibility and immune screening programs.
- Seoul National University Hospital: A leader in maternal-fetal medicine and Rh immunology research.
