Fetal Hemoglobin

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Fetal Hgb
Laboratory	Core Laboratory & Transfusion Medicine
Sub-section	Flow Cytometry
Specimen Type	Blood
Test Code	HBFFL (ordered in lab)

Ordering Instructions, Requisition

Specimen is referred to Transfusion Services for BK testing. Positives are then analyzed by flow cytometry. No requisition necessary.

Clinical Significance

The laboratory determination of the level of fetal cells in maternal circulation is an important support in the obstetrical management of women with suspected uterine trauma and for determining the proper dose of Rh immune globulin.

Specimen Requirements (Sample Type)

Maternal peripheral blood sample

Specimen Requirements (Volume (mL))

Optimum full draw

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

EDTA Lavender Tube
Collection Containers – Tube Types

Collection Requirements

Blood Collection Instructions

Storage / Shipment Details

Positive BK samples to be stored at 2-8 degrees Celsius.

Sample Stability

Sample should be less than 48 hours old. Greater than 48 hours will still be tested and resulted with a comment.

Cause for Rejection

See rejection criteria for Betke-Kleihauer testing.
Specimen Acceptability and Transport Guidance

Instrument, Methodology

Beckman Coulter Navios Ex

Test Availability

Samples to be received Monday to Friday. Specimens collected Friday late afternoon or over a weekend will be processed Monday morning. Special provisions have been made for statutory holiday testing to ensure within 48 hour testing window. Specimen to be refrigerated.

Routine Turnaround Time

2 hours when received before 2pm Monday to Friday. Samples collected Friday after 2pm will be processed Monday morning.

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 Extension 8519

Approval Required

Flow cytometry fetal hgb testing is performed only positive BK specimens received from Transfusion Services.

Sample Processing / Delivery

Specimens are received from Transfuion Services depending on BK results.