Introduction
What Is the ICT Test and Why Is It Important?
This can happen when the mother is Rh-negative and the baby inherits an Rh-positive blood group from the father. If their blood mixes, the mother’s immune system may see the baby’s cells as foreign and start producing anti-D antibodies to destroy them. The ICT test full form is referred as Indirect Coombs test.
To detect this early, doctors perform the ICT (Indirect Coombs Test). A simple blood test that helps prevent complications such as fetal anemia, jaundice, or even stillbirth.
Understanding Rh Incompatibility and Its Risks
All humans belong to one of four blood groups — A, B, AB, or O — and each can be either positive or negative, depending on the presence or absence of a protein called the Rhesus factor (Rh factor).
When a mother with a negative blood group gets pregnant with a baby who has a positive blood group inherited from the father, the mother and baby are considered Rh incompatible.
When the mother’s and baby’s blood mix in the later stages of pregnancy, the mother’s body treats the Rh protein in the baby’s blood as a foreign object and starts producing antibodies to destroy those cells, which can severely affect the baby, leading to fetal anemia and jaundice.
This process, where the body creates antibodies against the baby’s red blood cells, is called sensitization.
ICT Test During Pregnancy
ICT, or Indirect Coombs Test, is a simple blood test carried out around 28 weeks of pregnancy to check if the mother’s body has produced anti-D antibodies against the baby’s red blood cells.
If the mother’s blood has developed antibodies, they will be detected in her blood serum. If not, there won’t be traces of antibodies in the blood serum.
ICT Test Results Interpretation
Negative ICT:
A negative ICT result means the mother’s body hasn’t started producing anti-D antibodies yet. An Anti-D injection is then required to prevent antibody production and protect the baby.
Positive ICT:
A positive ICT result means the mother’s body has already started producing anti-D antibodies, and the baby is already at risk. In such cases, the Anti-D injection is not effective, and the pregnancy requires close monitoring.
Check Your Rh Incompatibility Risk
ICT Test Calculator
Role of Anti-D Injection in ICT-Negative Cases
An Anti-D injection is useful only when the mother’s ICT is negative.
Can ICT Be Repeated Later in Pregnancy?
Yes. If the mother’s ICT is negative during early pregnancy, the test is usually repeated every 4–6 weeks to ensure her body hasn’t started producing anti-D antibodies, ensuring the baby remains safe.
Conclusion: Early Testing Can Prevent Rh-Related Complications
The ICT test is crucial during pregnancy if the mother has a negative blood group or has had prior blood transfusions. It helps prevent the formation of antibodies that could harm the baby.
This is exactly why it’s important to be aware and informed about your health. Even something as simple as knowing your blood group can help doctors make timely diagnosis, develop the right treatment plan, and ensure a safer pregnancy.
Why Choose Jammi Scans for ICT Testing and Rh Incompatibility Care?
Jammi Scans is led by Dr. Deepthi Jammi, a renowned fetal medicine specialist in Chennai.
With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Deepthi Jammi has successfully helped hundreds of mothers with Rh incompatibility go on to have healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries.
At Jammi Scans, we:
- Offer the ICT test for expectant mothers
- Provide personal counseling and a clear treatment plan based on your results
- Administer the Anti-D shot if the ICT result is negative
- Closely monitor Rh-sensitized mothers while working closely with their gynecologists
- In some cases, a high-risk pregnancy requires specialized care from a fetal medicine specialist, including advanced ultrasound scans like the MCA Doppler and treatments such as intrauterine blood transfusions when necessary.
