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Kleihauer-Betke test
Pronunciation: KLY-how-er BET-keh
Laboratory test used to quantify fetal-maternal hemorrhage by detecting fetal hemoglobin in maternal blood.
Full Definition
The Kleihauer-Betke test is a specialized blood test that measures the amount of fetal blood that has entered the maternal circulation, particularly important after potential sensitizing events in Rh-negative mothers. The test works by exploiting the acid resistance of fetal hemoglobin compared to adult hemoglobin. Results help determine appropriate dosing of RhIg (RhoGAM) to prevent maternal alloimmunization in subsequent pregnancies.
Usage
Usage note: Named after Enno Kleihauer and Wolfgang Betke; hyphenated compound surname.
In Context
- "A Kleihauer-Betke test was ordered following the motor vehicle accident to assess fetal-maternal hemorrhage." — Emergency obstetric evaluation
- "The positive Kleihauer-Betke test indicated significant fetomaternal bleeding requiring additional RhIg doses." — Laboratory interpretation report
Also known as
KB test
fetal-maternal hemorrhage test
acid elution test
Don't confuse with
Coombs test
flow cytometry for fetal cells