Specimen Stability: 72-hours
Reference Range: < 0.05% fetal cells in normal adult blood.
Uncertainty of Measurement: 38%
The Kleihauer test gives an indication of the number of fetal cells in the specimen and can be used to detect and quantify fetomaternal haemorrhage (FMH) or more rarely to aid haemoglobinopathy or other studies.
Ordering this test must be done through a specific request form
The form is available on Hippo as a PDF fillable request form (ID 44330) and orderable on FPIM (ID 44329).
For a PDF fillable form please go to Hippo >Forms and Templates> Clinical Forms Library and search for Kleihauer or CC 7654 then download the PDF (use Google Chrome )
https://northern.atlasmd.com/login/asset/ViewAsset
Testing will not be performed unless requested through the dedicated request form.
The indications for testing are aligned with the ANZSBT guidelines
GUIDELINES FOR LABORATORY ESTIMATION OF FETOMATERNAL HAEMORRHAGE
The Kleihauer test is used for the following INDICATIONS:
1) To determine the appropriate dose of RhD immunoglobulin for RhD negative women
a) following delivery of RhD positive baby
b) following a sensitising event beyond 20 weeks gestation.
This is not required for women with preformed anti-D alloantibody
2) To assess fetal welfare regardless of RhD status of the mother
a) Persistent decreased fetal movement > 28 weeks gestation AND ultrasound not available within 24h
b) Decreased fetal movements with abnormal CTG and not planning delivery
c) Unexplained fetal hydrops or severe fetal anaemia
d) Near-term fetal death or unexplained stillbirth
3) As part of a haemoglobinopathy screen (see Haemoglobinopathy screen)
4) For detecting and/or confirming the fetal origin of samples collected for further specialised testing
The Kleihauer test is NOT INDICATED for the following:
1) Under 20 weeks (for sensitising events in RhD neg women 1 vial of RhD Ig is sufficient to cover the FMH of a 20-week gestation fetus)
2) Antepartum haemorrhage in RhD+ women
3) Diagnosis of placental abruption
4) Trauma in pregnancy (except for RhD neg women beyond 20 weeks)
5) Evaluation of unexplained abdominal pain in late pregnancy
For further information contact the Special Haematology laboratory (Ext 22065) or:
| Dr Anna Ruskova | Ext 22137 | |
| Dr Louisa Stone | Ext 22062 | |
| Dr Nikhil Rabade | Ext 22071 | |
| Dr Peter Bradbeer | Ext 22062 |