Kleihauer (HbF)

Testing Laboratories

Department

Haematology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

KLEI

Test Code (Numeric Code)

1478

Laboratory Handling

Sample Stability

72 hours

Synonyms

Kleihauer (HbF)

Turnaround Time

24 hours

Specimen Type

• Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

3

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

The Kleihauer Test gives a good indication of the number of foetal cells in the specimen.

The test can be used for:

1. Determining the amount of foetal-maternal haemorrhage, e.g. for determining the amount of anti-D immunoglobulin required for an Rh D negative woman after an obstetric procedure.
If the percentage of foetal cells is greater than 0.1%, then an estimate of the amount of foetal-maternal haemorrhage is calculated.

2. If a raised HbF level is discovered, then it can be used to look at the distribution pattern on the red cells.

3. It can be used to determine whether an unknown blood specimen is of foetal origin. See also APT test.

Contact Information