Reference values of fetal erythrocytes in maternal blood during pregnancy established using flow cytometry

Am J Clin Pathol. 2011 Oct;136(4):631-6. doi: 10.1309/AJCPHL3VXY0VMLXL.

Abstract

The aim of our study was to assess the fetal RBC count in maternal blood during uncomplicated pregnancies from 26 weeks onward. We used a flow cytometric method specifically designed for use in a routine hematology analyzer. Pregnant women were recruited through midwives. The participating laboratories used the FMH QuikQuant method (Trillium Diagnostics, Brewer, ME) in a CELL-DYN Sapphire hematology analyzer (Abbott Diagnostics, Santa Clara, CA). The method is based on a monoclonal antibody to hemoglobin F. Flow cytometric data were analyzed by 2 independent observers. The 95th percentile reference range was estimated according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. A total of 236 samples were statistically analyzed. Gestational ages ranged from 21.6 to 41 weeks (mean, 32.0 weeks), and the fetal RBC count in maternal blood ranged from 0.00% to 0.50% (median, 0.025%). The fetal RBC count in maternal blood shows no correlation with gestational age. The established reference range during normal pregnancy is less than 0.125%.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Separation
  • Erythrocyte Count / methods*
  • Erythrocytes / cytology*
  • Female
  • Fetomaternal Transfusion / blood
  • Fetus
  • Flow Cytometry / methods*
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy / blood*
  • Reference Values