Kleihauer Betke Test Procedure, Normal Range, Positive, Calculation

Kleihauer betke test is also known as acid elusion test, kleihauer test or kleihauer betke stain. It is a blood test which is performed during pregnancy. In this test the blood sample is taken from the vein of mother and then evaluated the amount of fetal hemoglobin transferred from fetus to mother's blood stream. It is normally performed in women having dominant negative Rh factor in their blood group. The main purpose behind kleihauer betke test is to determine demanded dose of Rh immuno globulin (RhIg). This inhibits the formation of Rh antibodies in the blood stream of mother. It also helps in preventing disease in the coming baby with dominant positive Rh factor.

Kleihauer Betke Test Procedure


Kleihauer betke test is performed by taking blood sample from mother's vein. This is performed in a following way. A cuff or band is wrapped around the arm i.e. 3 to 4 inches above the site of sample collection.
  • The site is made cleared by rubbing 70 percent alcohol swab.
  • Then a sterilized needle of syringe is pinched inside the skin and needle should be inserted inside vein.
  • Now the cuff or band is removed and blood will be start collecting in syringe.
  • This blood sample is used for the further analysis.
Kleihauer Betke Test Procedure, Normal Range, Positive, Calculation

Kleihauer Betke Test Normal Range


There is a test range of kleihauer betke test which defines the severity of the condition. Usually there should not be any traces of fetal hemoglobin in the blood of mother. If there are any traces of fetal hemoglobin in the blood stream of mother then there may be some serious problems. The reference range of Kleihauer betke test is  from 0 to 0.1 percent. This percentage can be calculated by multiplying the counted number of fetal hemoglobin cells in blood with 100.

Kleihauer Betke Test Positive


The kleihauer betke test is positive if the test analysis shows the presence of fetal hemoglobin in mother's blood. If the traces of fetal hemoglobin is found in mother's blood, the kleihauer betke test is positive. The result is positive if the percentage of fetal hemoglobin cells in maternal blood lies in between the normal range. The range is from 0 to 0.1 percent. Even a single cell of fetal hemoglobin in maternal blood shows the positive result. This shows the accuracy of Kleihauer betke test. It is the most accurate test for that purpose.

Kleihauer Betke Test Calculation


There is a formula for the calculation of percentage of fetal hemoglobin in maternal blood. This can be calculated by multiplying the no. Of fetal cells counted with 100 and the answer is then divided with total no. Of red blood cells. And the answer obtained is the percentage of fetal hemoglobin cells and this percentage is checked in the range. After this, further calculations are performed to calculate the volume of antibodies i.e. RhIg (immuno globulin). The no. Of vials required to be injected are calculated according to the test result of fetal hemoglobin cells.
Kleihauer Betke Test Procedure, Normal Range, Positive, Calculation Kleihauer Betke Test Procedure, Normal Range, Positive, Calculation Reviewed by Simon Albert on March 12, 2019 Rating: 5
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