Kleihauer test

Alternative names, keywords

Samples required

EDTA blood for group and screen (pink cap, 6 mL tube).

Test indications

Routinely used for the detection of a fetomaternal haemorrhage (FMH) in RhD negative gestational parent following the delivery of an RhD positive baby.  Also performed after any potentially sensitising event in RhD negative gestational parent after 20 weeks gestation and in certain other circumstances.

Reference range

Where a bleed is estimated in the laboratory to be less than 2mL the 500iu standard is sufficient unless cell salvage has been used at delivery.  The laboratory will advise on additional anti-D requirement where necessary.  Advice will be based on recommendations by British Society of Haematology (2009) “Guidelines for the Estimation of Fetomaternal Haemorrhage”.

Note that if the baby or fetus of an RhD negative gestational parent is known to be RhD negative, no anti-D is required.

Turnaround time

1 working day

Enquiries

Haematology (Transfusion)