Methodology

Flow Cytometry
Note: Fetal hemoglobin will be performed by the Kleihauer-Betke method under the following circumstances: 

1. Routine requests that cannot be completed within 72 hours of receipt.

2. STAT requests received on weekends and holidays.

The Kleihauer-Betke will be ordered and resulted.  If the number of mL bleed is less than 15, the Fetal Red Cell Percentage by Flow Cytometry will be canceled as a duplicate test.  If the number of mL bleed is greater than or equal to 15, the Fetal Red Cell Percentage by Flow Cytometry will be performed the next working day to confirm the Kleihauer-Betke result.  

Literature References:

1. Fetal Red Cell Detection: Approved Guideline: NCCLS Volume 21 Number 26.
2. Mundee Y, Bigelow N, Davis B, Porter J. Simplified flow cytometric method for fetal hemoglobin Containing red blood cells. Cytometry (Communication in Clinical Cytometry) 2000;42:389-93.