Bad Obstetric History BOH Profile Mini Test

BOH (Bad Obstetric History) Profile-Mini includes the ANA, Cardiolipin Antibody IgG / IgM, Lupus Anticoagulant, TSH and Torch-5 IgM tests.

The test is done to diagnose and detect causes for failed pregnancies, spontaneous abortions, neonatal deaths, stillborn etc. These may include:

• Thyroid dysfunction
• Infections, especially TORCH
• Anatomical factors
• Thrombophilia
• Coagulation Disorders
• Autoimmune disorders.

• Couples experiencing consecutive spontaneous abortions.
• Couples having difficulty conceiving or experiencing multiple failed pregnancies.
• Women having difficulty in the current or previous pregnancy; like foetal growth retardation, early neonatal deaths, stillborn.

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer. For couple karyotyping blood sample of both husband and wife is required.

No special precautions.

LAC test

Abnormal APTT levels and presence of Lupus anti-coagulant antibody may occur in cases of recurrent abortions. The results may be transient and persisting.

Cardiolipin AntibodyACL- IgG

Anti-cardiolipin antibodies (ACA) and are associated with thrombotic states and can cause recurrent abortions and infertility.

TORCH-5 test

Presence of antibodies against the infections under the TORCH complex may indicate maternal infections which increases the risk of transmission to foetus and may lead to foetal abnormalities.

Anti-Nuclear Antibody by IFA

Positive result may indicate the presence of ANA autoantibodies, which may be indicative of an autoimmune disorder.

Further tests for the presence of particular antinuclear antibodies, some of which are specific to certain diseases are advised.

TSH (Ultrasensitive)

Abnormal levels may indicate hormonal fluctuations that may impact the fertility status. Increased or low TSH may occur due to physiological or seasonal variations or due to certain drugs. Abnormal results may require further tests to confirm the exact cause. Clinical correlation is required.

• ANA Test
• APA test
• ACA test
• LAC test
• TSH
• TORCH-5 IgM test

Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs): are associated with autoimmune diseases which can cause infertility and pregnancy loss.

Anti-cardiolipin antibodies (ACA) and are associated with thrombotic states and can cause recurrent abortions and infertility.

Lupus anticoagulants are antibodies detected that are associated with a thrombotic tendency and clinical states such as recurrent abortions, Autoimmune Disease (SLE), infection. Their presence may be persistent or transiting.

This includes tests to detect infections or antibodies under the TORCH complex i.e. Toxoplasmosis, Rubella infections, Herpes Simplex and Cytomegalo Virus (CMV) infections.

Tests for thyroid hormones help in detecting any hormonal causes for recurrent pregnancy loss.