Fetomaternal Haemorrhage Flow Cytometry

Diagnostic Use

Estimation of fetomaternal haemorrhage by flow cytometry will be automatically performed where the Kleihauer result is >0.1% fetal cells and the mother is RhD negative. The flow cytometry result (not the Kleihauer result) will be used to ensure appropriate anti-D dosage.

Department

Haematology - Surface Markers

Delphic Registration Code

KHS

Turnaround Time

72 hours

Test Code

5299

Specimen Type

• Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Additional Specimen Information

Sample Delivery to Lab - Specimens should be transported at room temperature. External laboratories please refrigerate samples prior to transport if possible. Sample will be refrigerated on arrival at CHL if test not performed within 4 hours.

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Whole Blood

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Specimens should be transported at room temperature. External laboratories please refrigerate samples prior to transport if possible. Sample will be refrigerated on arrival at CHL if test not performed within 4 hours.

Interpretation

% Fetal cells and volume of bleed provided with report. Anti-D dosage information provided for bleeds up to 22mL. Specialist or MO should be contacted for bleeds greater than 22mL.

Test Method

Flow cytometry is used to detect the amount of fetal haemoglobin in red blood cells (RBCs) in the maternal bloodstream. RBCs containing a high proportion of fetal haemoglobin are counted as fetal cells. The percentage of fetal cells present is used to derive the volume of the fetal bleed and the amount of anti-D required to prevent allosensitisation.

Non-Funded Test Cost

$381.03 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

1994

Uncertainty of Measurement determined in house using spiked peripheral blood samples:

+/- 12.1% at 0.21% (0.21 +/- 0.025)

+/- 3.4% at 1.29% (1.29 +/- 0.044)

Turnaround Time < 24 hours if sample received Mon-Fri. Up to 72 hours maximum if sample received weekend/public holiday - urgent testing available out of hours if clinically indicated.

Contact Information

Enquiry Form