Kleihauer betke

Kleihauer-Betke test is a blood test used to measure the amount of fetal hemoglobin transferred from a fetus to a mother's bloodstream. It is named after the scientists Enno Kleihauer and Klaus Betke, who developed the test.

Overview

The Kleihauer-Betke test is primarily used in obstetrics to determine the amount of fetal blood transfusion in Rh-negative mothers. This is important because if an Rh-negative mother is exposed to Rh-positive blood, her body may produce antibodies against the Rh factor, potentially leading to hemolytic disease of the newborn in subsequent pregnancies.

Procedure

The Kleihauer-Betke test involves staining a blood sample from the mother with acid, which removes adult hemoglobin but leaves fetal hemoglobin intact. The stained sample is then examined under a microscope to determine the percentage of fetal red blood cells.

Interpretation

The results of the Kleihauer-Betke test are used to determine the appropriate dosage of Rho(D) immune globulin (RhIG), a medication given to prevent Rh sensitization in Rh-negative mothers. The higher the percentage of fetal red blood cells in the mother's blood, the higher the dose of RhIG needed.

Limitations

While the Kleihauer-Betke test is a valuable tool in obstetrics, it has some limitations. It can be difficult to distinguish between fetal and adult red blood cells, and the test may not be accurate in women with certain medical conditions, such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia.

See also

• Hemolytic disease of the newborn
• Rho(D) immune globulin
• Rh blood group system

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