This i-learn course looks at the safe and appropriate administration of anti-D immunoglobulin for D negative women throughout pregnancy and following birth. Incorrect or missed doses of anti-D following a potentially sensitising event can leave the woman at risk of sensitisation to the D antigen and making antibodies. Midwives are responsible for the administration of anti-D as part of their practice and this course aims to explain the processes that can lead to Haemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN) and the best practice for midwives to help prevent it from occurring.

After completing this module you will be able to:

• describe the mechanisms that lead to haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN)
• explain the role of anti-D prophylaxis in the prevention of HDFN
• outline the guidelines for the administration of routine antenatal anti-D prophylaxis (RAADP)
• describe the potentially sensitising events (PSEs) that would require additional anti-D prophylaxis and how much anti-D would be required at different stages of pregnancy
• provide an understanding of the role of the midwife in reducing HDFN
• provide an awareness of local guidelines and policies

This course contains one video of 9 minutes duration

Study time: 30 minutes

Original content: February 2017