Kleihauer-Betke

Message

Performed in Hematology on site at BDMC, Page, BTMC, WyMCC and BUMCP for local patients and other facilities. Send out test for BCCH.

Test Code

KLEH

Alias/See Also

Fetal Hemoglobin
Kleihauer-Betke

Preferred Specimen

3mL EDTA Pink - Whole Blood

Instructions

AZ locations send via STAT courier.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Reference Range

Clinical Significance

Fetal cell stain is used to determine the number of fetal red blood cells that have escaped into the maternal circulation. Its primary use is in determining the amount of Rh(D) Immune Globulin (Human Rhogam) that should be administered to Rh negative women who experienced trauma during which a fetal bleed may have occurred. The cells counted calculate the approximate amount of Fetal Maternal bleed and the number of vials of Rh Immune Globulin to be administered. Although the KB is used primarily for OB patients, there are times when the test is ordered to assess the distribution of fetal hemoglobin in patients suspected or confirmed to have hemoglobin F present. Knowing the distribution of the fetal hemoglobin, heterogeneous or homogeneous, is important for differentiating between hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) and beta-thalassemia. If the pattern is homogeneous, it is more consistent with HPFH. If the pattern is heterogeneous, it is more consistent with thalassemia.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.