Kleihauer-Betke Stain

Test Code

34942

CPT Codes
85460

Preferred Specimen

3 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: Unacceptable

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Hemolysis • Clotted

Methodology
Staining, Microscopic Quantitation of Fetal Hemoglobin

Setup Schedule

Monday-Saturday Morning
Report available: Next Day

Reference Range

See Laboratory Report

Clinical Significance

This test quantifies the volume of fetal-maternal hemorrhage (FMH). In Rh-positive mothers it is used solely to establish the volume of fetal hemorrhage into the maternal circulation. In Rh negative mothers it is also used to determine if an increased dose of Rh immune globulin (RhlG, anti-D antibody) is necessary. Based on an assumed total maternal circulatory volume of 5,000 mL, the FMH is calculated by multiplying the % Fetal Cells by 50. Please refer to the most current AABB Technical manual for RhlG dosage information.

Note: This test is not be ordered for Hemoglobin F Differential Staining.

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.