Synonyms

Clinical Indications

To determine the presence of foetal cells in maternal circulation.

Request Form

Combined Pathology Blood form (Yellow/Black)

Availability

On request

Specific Criteria

Mother must be Rhesus negative, or have suffered an injury likely to cause foetal bleeding.

Turnaround Time

Within 72 hours

Specimen

Whole Blood (Maternal and Cord samples)

Volume

7mL.

Container

Purple top (EDTA) tubes. 1x Maternal blood and 1x Cord blood.

Collection

Lab. Handling

Causes for Rejection

Unlabelled sample. Not meeting specific criteria for analysis. Delay in sample reaching laboratory. Underfilled, clotted or haemolysed samples. 

Interpretation

This is a screening test used to determine the number of foetal cells present in maternal circulation. A count of less than 10 cells per low power microscope field is indicated to be normal and a single dose of Anti D ( given to a mother with a Rhesus positive child ) is sufficient to destroy the circulating foetal cells. This test may also be used in cases of abdominal trauma during pregnancy, when a foetal bleed may be suspected. A single dose is 1250 I.U. of Anti D Gamma Globulin.