ABSTRACT
Blood from a RhD-positive fetus enters the maternal circulation of a RhDnegative mother. Th e mother produces anti-D antibodies. In subsequent pregnancies, these antibodies may cross over the placenta, resulting in haemolysis in a RhD positive fetus. Th e purpose of anti-D prophylaxis with anti-D Ig is to stop the mother producing anti-D antibodies, a process known as ‘sensitisation’. Sensitisation may also occur by inadvertent or emergency transfusion of RhD-positive blood products in a RhD-negative woman.
