BAD OBSTETRIC HISTORY PANEL TEST (BOH TEST)

BOH panel test

BOH or bad obstetric history panel test is a blood test used to find vital causes of bad obstetric history in a reproductive age group female.

According to WHO (world health organisation) BOH means previous unfavourable fetal outcome in terms of two or more consecutive spontaneous abortions, past history of fetal death in utero, intrauterine fetal growth restriction, still birth, early neonatal death and /or congenital anomalies

One of the important causes of BOH is antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APAS). Antiphospholipid antibodies are autoantibodies that are directed against phospholipid-binding proteins. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS) is characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in the setting of thrombosis and/or pregnancy loss. APAS is an autoimmune disorder in which antiphospholipid antibodies are produced in the body causing increased blood clotting. The most common sites of venous and arterial thrombosis are the lower limbs and the cerebral arterial circulation, respectively. However, thrombosis can occur in any organ. While not all patients with APLA develop APLS, there is a strong association between the presence of APLA and venous thrombosis, myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke. There is no treatment for antiphospholipid antibody syndrome but medicines can reduce the incidence of blood clots.

Why is BOH panel test prescribed?

Your healthcare provider may order this test if he/she suspects APAS as cause of BOH such as presence of recurrent spontaneous abortions, intrauterine death, early neonatal death, stillbirths etc

What are components of bad obstetric history panel test?

To identify APLA, the laboratory tests include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and functional assays. The three known APLA are:

• Anticardiolipin antibodies IgG or IgM (ELISA)
• Anti-beta-2-glycoprotein-I antibodies IgG or IgM (ELISA)
• Lupus anticoagulants (Functional assays) which include activated partial thromboplastin time,dRVVT(dilute Russell viper venom time) APAS is confirmed if these antibodies are present in blood when this test is done twice at least 12 weeks apart

Procedure and prerequisites

The sample for BOH panel test is taken from blood by inserting a small needle into vein of your arm. A small amount of blood is then collected in test tube or vial. You may feel little pain due to needle prick. Overnight fasting of 10-12 hrs is desired before the taking test sample. If you are on heparin then discontinue it for 1 day and if on oral anticoagulants discontinue them for 7 Days before sampling as they may affect the results. Discontinuation of these medications should be done only after consultation with treating health care provider.

Reference range

Test can either be negative or positive