The importance of simple microscopy

A case of severe neonatal anaemia, the cause of which was found to be sever e fetomaternal haemorrhage is presented. The diagnosis was confirmed by sim ple microscopic examination of the maternal blood using the technique of ac id elution, the Kleihauer-Betke test. In the differential diagnosis of anae mia of a newborn, the diagnosis of fetomaternal haemorrhage must be conside red and the simple Kleihauer-Betke test should be performed on the maternal blood as soon as possible.