Do not routinely perform a group and screen test at the time of delivery unless there is no prior test during the current pregnancy and/or the risk of maternal hemorrhage or transfusion is high.

The likelihood of requirement for transfusion at the time of delivery is low. In a patient with a prenatal record confirming maternal ABO, Rh and a negative antibody screen provision of emergency uncrossmatched units is relatively safe when required on rare occasions. Routine pre delivery group and screen is not cost effective given the very low risk of transfusion with either vaginal delivery or routine Caesarean section. In the rare occasion that patients require a blood transfusion, O negative un-crossmatched blood or a stat crossmatch could be done pre-transfusion.

 

For more information:

Stock et al. Why group & save? Blood transfusion at low-risk elective caesarean section. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2014 Jun;54(3):279-82. PMID: 24576105.

White et al. Guideline for blood grouping and red cell antibody testing in pregnancy. Transfusion Medicine. 2016 Aug;26(4):246-63. PMID: 27074872.