I am conducting a US study and interested in finding out if this test is done for suspected abruption (bleeding and/or abdominal pain) in the UK. Thanks!
Because I had to look it up, here is the definition from Wikipedia
The Kleihauer–Betke ("KB") test, Kleihauer–Betke ("KB") stain or Kleihauer test, is a blood test used to measure the amount of fetal hemoglobin transferred from a fetus to a mother's bloodstream.[1] It is usually performed on Rhesus-negative mothers to determine the required dose of Rho(D) immune globulin (RhIg) to inhibit formation of Rh antibodies in the mother and prevent Rh disease in future Rh-positive children.[2]
Very interesting! We shall be interested to hear about whether this test is used in places like Nigeria as well.
Hi, heres a link to the RCOG guidance
http://www.rcog.org.uk/files/rcog-corp/GTG63_05122011APH.pdf
I have worked in units where its performed on women who are Rh Pos where an apruption is suspected or confirmed. But this is less common now and its always performed if women are Rh Neg
It has been used routinely in UK as the evidence quoted above. Recent NICE guidelines for management of miscarriage ectopic pregnancy do not recommend it as risk of test to be positive at very low fetal hemoglobin level is likely to be low ( section 9.3 full version) .