Detection of massive transplacental haemorrhage by flow cytometry

Flow cytometry has been shown to be a more accurate and sensitive method th an the Kleihauer-Betke test for the measurement of fete-maternal haemorrhag e in Rh(D) incompatibility. This report describes the successful use of flo w cytometry to detect and monitor the management of a massive transplacenta l haemorrhage (105 mi) of fetal Rh(D) positive cells in a Rh(D) negative wo man. The report highlights the accuracy and reproducibility of the test and the stability of a blood sample when transferred 596 kilometres to a centr al testing facility.