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Kleihauer-Betke/ Acid Elution for Fetal Hemoglobin/K-B |
| Test | Kleihauer-Betke/ Acid Elution for Fetal Hemoglobin/K-B |
| Indication | Staining of postpartum maternal blood for identification of percentage of fetal cells present. Determine possible fetal maternal hemorrhage in the newborn, aid in diagnosis of certain types of anemia in adults; assess the magnitude of fetal maternal hemorrhage; calculate dosage of Rh immune globulin to be given. |
| Physiology | The KB test is helpful in distinguishing some forms of Thalassemia from hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin. The hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin reveals a uniform distribution of fetal hemoglobin in each red cell. By calculating the amount of fetal blood contamination, the evolution of anti-D antibodies in the post partum woman and subsequent hemolytic disease of the new born can be prevented. |
| Normal Range | full-term newborns: Hb F cells are > 90%; normal adults Hb F cells are < 0.01%. |
| Test Method | Acid elution test. |
| Related Tests | Du , Fetal hemoglobin, Rho (D) Immune Globulin, Rosette Test for Fetomaternal Hemorrhage |
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