The so-called rhesus factor D is a blood group property. RhD is strongly immunogenic. This means carriers of the RhD-negative trait often form antibodies against RhD when they come into contact with red blood cells (erythrocytes) that carry the RhD blood group trait.
Performing Rh NIPT in Rh-negative pregnant women is recommended in current maternity guidelines. Previously, anti-D prophylaxis was advised in pregnancy in all RhD-negative women at 28-30 weeks of gestation. However, anti-D prophylaxis is not necessary if the fetus is also RhD negative. The Rhesus NIPT determines the RhD factor of the fetus already from the 12th week of pregnancy. Thus, unnecessary Rh prophylaxis can be avoided.
Our partner Cenata offers the determination of the fetal rhesus factor in rhesus-negative pregnant women by means of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT-RhD) from maternal blood. Cenata GmbH was founded jointly by CeGaT, Labor Enders, and Prof. Dr. Hinrichsen.
For patients insured in Germany, the rhesus NIPT is covered by public health insurance. Our colleagues at the Zentrum für Humangenetik Tübingen will gladly support you!
