Question

What volume (ML) of fetal cells detected by acid elution investigation is recommended to result in further investigation by anti D flow cytometry?

Answer 1

Flow cytometry is a popular laser based technology to analyse the characteristics of cells or particles.

A test to determine haemoglobin amount in fetal red blood cells in the maternal circulation is known as acid elution. It is mainly used to investigate the abnormal findings such as fetomaternal haemorrhage.

It is used in many different finding such as:

1. When Rh- mother is being exposed to The Rh+ fetal blood. If it is confirmed then it is used to determine the Rh immune globulin amount in case of erythroblastosis fetalis.
2. If a pregnant woman experience any traumatic injury it is used to determine fetomaternal haemorrhage.
3. In case of amniocentesis to determine the origin of blood whether it is maternal or fetal.

Specimen collection: whole blood of 1ml is collected in EDTA tube. Then the blood smears are freshly prepared.

Observation: less than 1% of fetal blood cells is present.