Kleihauer Test (Estimation of Foetal Maternal Haemorrhage)

Pathology category

Blood Transfusion

Code

Referral code

Request form

Please complete Kleihauer section of the blood transfusion request form. Ensure that you provide gestation if an antenatal request or baby details if a delivery sample.

Test information

Kleihauer results which are greater than 2ml bleed will be referred to reference centre for confirmation.

Guidelines

Pre-analytical

Must be done within 72 hours of the sensitising eventSamples to be transported to the laboratory ASAP between 2 – 25C

Reference range

Tube type

Tube type info

3ml purple top EDTA and 6ml pink top EDTA sample

Special requirements

Minimum volume

3ml

Assay frequency

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

TAT Inpatient

24 hours in house, 48hrs if referred

TAT GP/Outpatient

24 hours in house, 48hrs if referred

Referral lab

Local haematology