Detecting fetomaternal hemorrhage by flow cytometry.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this review is to summarize the most recent developments in the area of detection of fetomaternal hemorrhage by flow cytometry.


RESULTS
Maternal red blood cell chimerism is readily detectable by flow cytometry. Fetal and maternal red blood cells differ in their content of fetal hemoglobin (alpha2gamma2). Fetal red blood cells contain fetal hemoglobin, and normal maternal red blood cells contain some percentage of fetal hemoglobin in a background of normal adult hemoglobin. All blood group systems with allelic differences between mother and fetus are readily applicable for detection of fetomaternal hemorrhage by fetal hemoglobin.


CONCLUSIONS
Fetal hemoglobin for detection of fetomaternal hemorrhage is an accurate clinical diagnostic procedure for investigation of anemia in fetus and newborn.
Dziegiel
Morten Hanefeld
MH
Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark. dziegiel@rh.dk
Nielsen
Leif Kofoed
LK
Berkowicz
Adela
A
D002678:Chimera; D005260:Female; D005319:Fetal Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D005331:Fetomaternal Transfusion / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005434:Flow Cytometry / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy
D005319:Fetal Hemoglobin