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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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KLEIHAUER BETKE

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2574    Geisinger Epic ID:  7184

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Whole Blood


Preferred collection container: 
Alternate collection container: 
Lavender-top (K2 EDTA) microcollection tube
Specimen required: 

Preferred specimen is a 3 mL EDTA lavender-top tube. One EDTA lavender-top microcollection tube is acceptable for difficult draws. Minimum acceptable will be 250 uL (microcollection tube has lines to indicate the 250 and 500 uL volumes).



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Do not centrifuge.


Transport temperature: 

Refrigerated (preferred) or room temperature.


Specimen stability: 

Specimen stable for two weeks if refrigerated.


Rejection criteria: 

Frozen, clotted, hemolyzed, or centrifuged specimen.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

<1.0%


Interpretation guide: 

Rh Immunoglobulin Dosing

% FETAL CELLSVIALS TO INJECTMCGIU
0.0-0.213001500
0.3-0.826003000
0.9-1.439004500
1.5-2.0412006000
2.1-2.6515007500
> 2.6Unable to correlate results with table. Please call Director of Transfusion Services for advice.

CPT code(s):  85460
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Percent of fetal red cells, recommended RhoGAM dosages.


Methodology: 
Acid elution test
Synonyms: 

Kleihauer-Betke Stain, Fetaldex, test for fetomaternal hemorrhage, FETAL HGB RBC STAIN (Kleihauer Betke), FHGBS, Fetal Hemorrhage, count, Hemorrhage, Hemoglobin, Fetomaternal


Clinical significance: 

Used to detect fetal hemoglobin (hemoglobin F) and dose Rh immunoglobulin in Rh negative women with a positive fetal hemoglobin screen. Elevated hemoglobin F levels occur from fetomaternal hemorrhage, hemoglobinopathies (sickle cell disease, hereditary persistence of hemoglobin F, etc.) or in patients taking medications that increase hemoglobin F production (hydroxyurea, etc.).


Doctoral Director(s): 
Mary Dhesi MD
Review Date:  01/08/2025

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