The Antenatal Care (ANC) profile test is performed on pregnant females to assess the overall health of both the mother and the growing baby. It is usually recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy and can help identify pre-existing medical conditions or health concerns in the early stages of pregnancy. The health conditions that can be identified with the help of an ANC profile test in pregnancy include anaemia, diabetes, viral infections such as hepatitis and HIV, and more. Essentially, the ANC profile test helps detect any defects or health concerns in both the mother and the baby at an early stage, ensuring prompt treatment for the safety of both. 

What is an ANC Profile?

An ANC profile test is a diagnostic test that utilises a blood and urine samples from a pregnant woman. Performing a profile test as part of ANC means  a comprehensive analysis of the health status of both the mother and the developing foetus is done. The ANC profile test results may reveal new or pre-existing health conditions that require medical intervention, which if left untreated can cause harm to both mother and baby.

The ANC profile test includes the following tests:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Routine urine examination
• Blood grouping and Rh factor test
• Glucose (sugar) test – fasting, postprandial (PP), and random
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test
• Hepatitis B surface antigen test (HbsAg)
• HIV 1 and HIV 2 tests
• Haemoglobin electrophoresis (HPLC)
• Syphilis test – Rapid plasma reagin or VDRL test
• Test for rubella infection

Purpose of ANC Profile Test

The ANC profile blood test is recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy as it helps detect the presence of any infectious diseases or conditions that may harm the pregnancy. Getting tested during this trimester aids in managing or avoiding complications. Moreover, the ANC profile test details can identify any risks to the developing baby, enabling parents to take important preventive measures.

What happens during the ANC Profile Test?

The ANC profile test report assists gynaecologists in assessing the mother's overall health and identifying potential health conditions that could impact the developing baby. Urine and blood samples obtained from the patient are analysed in a laboratory using various parameters. Some tests are conducted under a microscope, while others necessitate specific machines for analysis.

Procedure for ANC Profile Test

For an ANC profile test, two separate samples are required: a blood sample and a urine sample. To collect the blood sample, a phlebotomist is typically employed. The phlebotomist locates a vein in the arm and cleans the site with an antiseptic liquid. The blood is then drawn from the vein using a sterile needle and placed in a tube for further analysis. To collect the urine sample, a container may be provided to the patient, who can collect it themselves.

Uses of ANC Profile Test

The primary objective of an ANC profile test is to determine if the pregnant mother has any health conditions or problems that could potentially affect the normal growth and development of her baby. The ANC test helps identify any underlying medical conditions, enabling healthcare providers to prescribe the appropriate treatment and medication.

How to prepare for the ANC Profile Test?

Before a sample is collected, the patient is typically required to fast for a specific period, as advised by the treating doctor, usually 8-10 hours. During this fasting period, the patient should abstain from consuming any food or drinks except water. It's crucial for the patient to inform the doctor about any medications they are taking, including both prescription drugs and supplements, as these substances may interfere with the test. Additionally, tests for HIV-1 and HIV-2 may necessitate the completion of consent forms.

Values of ANC Profile Test Results

Several individual tests are conducted as part of the ANC profile test, each with its own set of normal values or reference ranges. These normal ranges may vary depending on the specific laboratory where the samples are analysed. Below, we provide the normal reference ranges for some of the tests.

• For HIV, HBsAg, and VDRL tests: If the mother tests positive for any of these infections (HIV, hepatitis, or syphilis), it's essential to take appropriate precautions and provide treatment to prevent infection in the foetus.

• Blood grouping: Both the mother's and the foetus's blood groups are tested to detect any incompatibilities that could lead to birth complications.

• Haemoglobin electrophoresis: If abnormal haemoglobin, such as haemoglobin C or E, is detected, the mother may require specific treatment to prevent complications. A positive result may also prompt testing of the baby to check for these blood disorders

What are the benefits of ANC Profile Tests?

The ANC profile test is a comprehensive diagnostic test that assesses health based on multiple parameters. As a result, it offers various benefits, including:

• Assessing the health of both the mother and the baby.
• Identifying and preventing early-stage complications in pregnancy.
• Treating underlying health conditions that could affect the baby.
• Addressing any issues detected in the developing foetus.
• Reducing the risk of child and maternal mortality.

Conclusion

The ANC (antenatal care) profile test is a crucial diagnostic examination used to monitor the overall health of a pregnant woman and track the growth and well-being of the baby. Typically recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy, this test enables early detection of any abnormalities.

FAQs 

1. What does a low ANC mean? 

Ans. A low ANC may not necessarily be a cause for concern. If the ANC value is below 1000, the doctor may recommend a specific course of treatment. However, if the ANC value drops below 500, it could be more concerning, as the patient may face a higher risk of infection.

2. What does a high ANC mean in a blood test? 

Ans. A high ANC value can be concerning, as it may indicate an ongoing infection. It can also result from severe stress, which requires management to prevent serious health problems.

3. Is the ANC profile test mandatory? 

Ans. The ANC profile test is not a routine examination. It is typically recommended by a doctor to monitor the health of both the mother and the baby.

4. Are there any risks associated with the test? 

Ans. There are no risks associated with the ANC profile test; instead, it provides a clear picture of the overall health of the mother and its potential impact on the growing baby. This information helps identify any health risks to the mother early on, allowing for proper precautions to be taken to prevent complications.