Staining of slides following acid elution of adult hemoglobin
Edit Date:
3/14/2009
Performed:
Daily
Released:
Same day
CPT Code:
85460
Specimen Collection Details
Collection:
One 4 mL lavender top tube (EDTA) from mother. Also acceptable: bloody amniotic fluid or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Handling:
Send to the laboratory immediately; refrigerate if there will be a delay prior to testing.
Stability:
72 hours ambient or refrigerated.
Standard Volume:
4 mL EDTA whole blood.
Minimum Volume:
0.5 mL EDTA whole blood in a 1 mL microcollection tube.
Transport:
Refrigerated.
Comments:
The Kleihauer stain is useful to demonstrate and quantitate the presence of circulating fetal cells in maternal circulation. It is also useful to evaluate distribution of Hgb F in disorders such as hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin. Note: For post-partum maternal screening for possible Rh Immune Globulin (RhIG) dosing, the RhIG screen, Rh Immune Globulin Profile, Post-partum (52200), should be ordered. This panel uses a Fetal Screen assay, with quantitation of positive samples performed by Kleihauer staining. Optimal sensitivity to fetal-maternal hemorrhage occurs from samples collected shortly after delivery and tested as soon as possible.