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Fetal Hemoglobin Stain (10005291)
Test Mnemonic:

FHS

Specimen Requirements:
Test Included:

The percentage of fetal cells in a maternal blood  is used to calculate the approximate volume of fetal-maternal hemorrhage.

Collection:

Routine venipuncture

Container:

Lavender-topped tube (EDTA)

Minimum Volume:

3mL blood

Storage/Transport:

Ambient temperature

Causes for Rejection:

Specimen improperly labeled, requisition incomplete, serum separator tube used, gross hemolysis, frozen sample, failure to identify phlebotomist and verifier.  

Reference Range:

Negative

Turnaround Time:

2-4 hours if negative;  a positive test may require additional time for confirmation

Methodology:

Acid Elution with Eosin Stain/ read by Microscopy

Performed:

Specimens are accepted 24 hours per day at the Blood Bank lab, 4.404 Clinical Services Wing (CSW).

Synonyms:

Fetal Cell Stain, Kleihauer-Betke Stain, KB stain, Acid Elution Stain

Clinical Indication:

Used to quantify the size of a fetal-maternal hemorrhage after a positive Fetal Maternal Hemorrhage Screen (FMH) and to determine appropriate Rh Immunoglobulin dosage.   This test can also be used to detect and quantify a fetal-maternal hemorrhage at any point in pregnancy regardless of the blood type of the patient and whether or not the blood type of the fetus or infant is known.

CPT 4 Code:

85460

Note:

Specimens collected after Rh Immunoglobulin administration may yield inaccurate results.

All requests must include the requesting physician's name and ID number, patient's complete name, UH number, current account number, patient location, clinical information/diagnosis, identity of phlebotomist and verifier, and the date/time of sample collection.  The specimen must be labeled with the patient's full name and UH number.  Specimens should be transported to the laboratory in a biohazard specimen bag with the request form in the pocket of the bag.  All information must be complete and legible on the specimen and the requisition.

When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient. Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually. The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-10 code or its verbal equivalent.
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