What is the main purpose of conducting antibody titers on serum from prenatal immunized women?

The main purpose of conducting antibody titers on serum from prenatal immunized women is closely linked with identifying candidates for procedures like amniocentesis or percutaneous umbilical blood sampling. When a mother has been immunized, particularly against certain antigens such as Rh antigen, evaluating her antibody titers helps assess the risk of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN).

If the titers indicate significant levels of antibodies that may affect the fetus, healthcare providers may opt for invasive procedures like amniocentesis or percutaneous umbilical blood sampling to determine the fetal blood type and assess the extent of any potential hemolytic disease. These tests can provide crucial information that aids in planning further management and monitoring of the pregnancy, especially in cases where there might be a risk of complications.

In contrast, while other options touch on important aspects of prenatal care, they do not directly relate to the primary use of antibody titers. For example, determining the identity of the antibody focuses more on the specificity of immune response rather than the implications for the fetus. Similarly, deciding whether a baby requires an intrauterine transfusion or if early induction of labor is indicated pertains to management decisions that might follow the analysis of antibody