Detection of massive transplacental haemorrhage by flow cytometry

Abstract

Flow cytometry has been shown to be a more accurate and sensitive method than the Kleihauer-Betke test for the measurement of feto-maternal haemorrhage in Rh(D) incompatibility. This report describes the successful use of flow cytometry to detect and monitor the management of a massive transplacental haemorrhage (105 ml) of fetal Rh(D) positive cells in a Rh(D) negative woman. The report highlights the accuracy and reproducibility of the test and the stability of a blood sample when transferred 596 kilometres to a central testing facility.