Screening of anti‐HPA‐1a antibodies in HPA‐1a‐negative mothers

Results from a study of more than 100 000 pregnant women show that the pathophysiology of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) and haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) has many equalities [ 1 ]. It has been reported that NAIT is more than three times more frequent compared with HDN. This makes it tempting to consider a design for screening for HPA 1a negativity and follow up in/after the pregnancy based on the same principles as for RhD‐negative pregnant women. Even without available vaccination, it is strongly indicated that screening and Caesarean section 2–4 weeks prior to term in mothers with the HPA‐1a‐negative platelet type, reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality due to NAIT.