Storing antenatal screening samples

If you choose to have screening or invasive testing, for example amniocentesis or CVS (chorionic villus sampling), your samples may be stored securely during and after your pregnancy in line with national guidance (Royal College of Pathologists: The retention and storage of pathological records and specimens) and as set out below.

Screening for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B

Your blood sample is stored for two years.  If you or your baby shows signs of another infection later in your pregnancy or after your baby is born, the sample can be tested and the results compared with blood tests you may have later in your pregnancy.    

Screening for blood group and antibodies

Blood group – your blood sample is stored for between seven and 14 days after your result is known. It is then destroyed.

Antibody testing – your blood sample is stored for 12 months. There is a rare condition, called haemolytic disease of fetus and newborn (HDFN), that can affect babies. If your baby shows signs of this condition, your sample will be used to help diagnosis and treatment. 

Cell free fetal DNA (cffDNA) – your blood sample is stored for at least one year. This is in case we need to check the result following the birth of your baby. Your sample may be used to maintain and improve the standard of the test for the future. It is then destroyed.

Your baby’s blood group – if you are D negative, your midwife will take a blood test from you and some from the umbilical cord of your baby when they are born. The sample is destroyed once your baby’s blood group is known (it takes around a week to get the result).

Screening for Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome and Patau’s syndrome

Your blood sample from your combined or quadruple test is destroyed once the result is known (it takes about a week to get the result).  Occasionally, any remaining samples may be anonymized (information that could identify you is removed) and used by the laboratory to maintain and improve the standard of the test.

Non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT)  

Your blood sample is stored indefinitely and may be used by the laboratory to maintain and improve the standard of the test.

Sickle cell and thalassaemia

Your blood sample is destroyed once the result is known (this is usually around two weeks after it has been taken).

Invasive testing – amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

Your samples are stored and may be used to maintain and improve the standard of the test. Sometimes, if the test shows that your baby has a chromosome or genetic change, your sample can be used if other family members choose to be tested. Samples are destroyed in line with national and local procedures.

If you would like to discuss any of this, please contact your midwife.