Question
If a newborn has the same blood type as the father, what does this indicate? Why is it necessary to conduct tests for hemolytic disease?
Answer
When a newborn shares the same blood type as the father, this is generally considered a normal genetic phenomenon and does not directly prove or rule out any specific medical issues. However, in certain situations, such as when the mother and father have incompatible blood types, it may be necessary to conduct tests for hemolytic disease to determine if there is a blood type incompatibility between the mother and fetus. Hemolytic disease occurs when there is an immune reaction between the mother and fetus, leading to the destruction of red blood cells in the fetus or newborn’s blood. This condition can have serious implications for the newborn’s health, including the risk of kernicterus. Therefore, conducting tests for hemolytic disease is to diagnose and treat early, in order to avoid severe consequences.