Rh Factor VS RhD Factor

Bottom Line:

They are the same thing! D is the most common antigen in the Rh blood group system so people keep things simple by just saying “Rh” instead of RhD. Note that RhD can also be denoted as RhO (sometimes using a subscript letter O or number 0). So Rh, RhD, RhO, RhoD, RhO or Rh0 can all refer to the D antigen of the Rh blood group system.

Memory Aids:

When in doubt, it’s the Rh D antigen. Continue reading “Rh Factor VS RhD Factor”

Direct Coombs Test VS Indirect Coombs Test

Bottom Line:

With the direct Coombs test you just add the anti-Ig antibodies (Coombs reagent) to your test solution and watch for agglutination. With the indirect Coombs test you have to add RBCs first, then you add the anti-Ig antibodies, and then watch for agglutination. So there is an extra step with the indirect Coombs test.

Direct Coombs is also called DAT (direct antiglobulin test).

Memory Aids:

Indirect has an extra step. Direct lets you go directly to the result. Continue reading “Direct Coombs Test VS Indirect Coombs Test”

Primary Infertility VS Secondary Infertility

Bottom Line:

Primary infertility is the inability to ever bear a live child. Secondary infertility is the inability to bear a live child after having done so at least once before.

Memory Aids:

Secondary infertility means can’t have second child (or third, or fourth …). Continue reading “Primary Infertility VS Secondary Infertility”

GDM (Gestational Diabetes Mellitus) VS DM (Diabetes Mellitus)

 

Bottom Line:

GDM (Gestational Diabetes Mellitus) is a carbohydrate intolerance with onset OR first recognition during the present pregnancy. It does not matter if insulin is used as treatment, it does not matter if the intolerance continues post-pregnancy, and it does not preclude that the intolerance may have existed prior to the pregnancy. However, it would not be appropriate to label women with KNOWN pre-existing diabetes as having GDM. They would be said to have pre-gestational DM.

Memory Aids:

GDM is diabetes mellitus discovered during pregnancy. Continue reading “GDM (Gestational Diabetes Mellitus) VS DM (Diabetes Mellitus)”