Accuracy of fetal Blood sampling For detecting Acidaemia at Birth

Status: Published

This project has just been published online in September 2019 by the  European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Reproductive Biology!

Our present understanding of the value of fetal blood sampling (FBS) in labour relies on the assumption that FBS accurately represents fetal central organ acid-base status and that it can predict adverse outcome.  However, the procedure requires much skill and training, and can be accompanied by (thankfully rare) complications.  The failure to obtain an FBS may also contribute to the rising Caesarean delivery rates.

This observation study aimed to collect consecutive fetuses’ FBS results and assess the correlation with the corresponding cord gas results in the neonate.  Data was collected from across the United Kingdom and pooled together to improve the reliability and generalisability of our findings.

Publication Reference

Evaluating the value of intrapartum fetal scalp blood sampling to predict adverse neonatal outcomes: A UK multicentre observational study Al Wattar, Bassel H. et al. European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Volume 240, 62 – 67