Audit of routine tests in the antenatal period in women delivering at National District Hospital, Bloemfontein, South Africa, in 2016

Abstract

Background. Infectious diseases are transmissible from mother to unborn child. Appropriate treatment during antenatal care is crucial. 

Objective. To determine whether routine antenatal tests (syphilis, HIV, Rhesus factor) were performed in women delivering at National District Hospital (NDH), Bloemfontein, South Africa, and whether treatment was initiated for women testing positive for these infections. 

Methods. This descriptive retrospective study consisted of 2 425 women who delivered between January and December 2016. Antenatal care history was obtained from the delivery register. 

Results. Nearly all women were tested for syphilis (99.1%), HIV (99.9%) and Rhesus factor (99.9%). A third (33.3%) of the patients who tested positive for syphilis were untreated. Of the 27.0% of patients who tested HIV-positive, 99.7% were recorded to have been on treatment. Just over half (54.3%) of the patients who tested Rhesus-negative received prophylaxis. 

Conclusion. A record of routine antenatal testing of women delivering at NDH was found. The reaction to positive results could improve.