Fetal RHD Screening 

The Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) has mandated Héma-Québec to implement fetal RHD screening using cell-free fetal DNA circulating in maternal blood. Rollout is planned for fall 2026.

A Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening Test

Each year, approximately 12,000 RhD-negative pregnant women in Québec receive a preventive injection of anti-D immunoglobulins (WinRho®) to avert hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn.  

Starting in fall 2026, fetal RHD screening using fetal DNA circulating in the mother’s blood will be performed through a simple blood test during pregnancy.

This screening will determine the fetus’s RhD status prior to birth. As a result, only women carrying an RhD-positive fetus will receive anti D immunoglobulin injections, thereby avoiding unnecessary treatments.

This test is expected to be integrated into routine prenatal care for all RhD-negative pregnant women in Québec.

Additional information will be shared at the end of the summer to support healthcare professionals in implementing fetal RHD testing.