Blood testing program keeps Saskatchewan pregnancies safe

A program brings clinical and laboratory teams together to keep an eye on prenatal blood tests in Saskatchewan, helping to get faster results that protect pregnant patients and their babies.  

The Prevention of Alloimmunization in Mothers of Saskatchewan Program, or PRAMS, combines clinical coordination and specialized laboratory testing. It helps identify pregnancies at-risk of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn — a condition that can cause a baby to develop anemia during pregnancy, ensures Rh-negative patients receive preventive WinRho® treatment, and connects families with specialized care when needed.  

Before the program’s launch in 2020, these prenatal antibody and blood-typing tests for patients took up to 10 days.  

With funding support from the Government of Saskatchewan, PRAMS now provides test results in less than 24 hours for more than 20,000 samples every year.  

Labs in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert test the Rh blood group status and maternal antibody testing as part of routine bloodwork in pregnancy.  

“We don't replace the amazing care that our clinical colleagues provide. We hope to enhance it,” said Dr. Oksana Prokopchuk-Gauk, who helped introduce the program.  

Nurse coordinators, based in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert, then ensure patients are connected to further care, following up with health-care providers on complex results and helping arrange referrals to maternal fetal medicine when needed.  

"As long as you get your bloodwork done, we have got an eye on it, and it doesn't matter where you live," said Sandy Holfeld, Nurse Coordinator. "If you live in the northern part of the province or the southwest, somebody has got your back."  

The PRAMS team is guided by the CARES values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Equity and Safety in caring for every patient it serves.