Which test helps detect fetomaternal hemorrhage in placental abruption?

Which test helps detect fetomaternal hemorrhage in placental abruption?

• A. Kleihauer-Betke test
• B. CBC
• C. PT/INR
• D. D-dimer

Answer: (A)

Fetomaternal hemorrhage detection is essential in placental abruption because fetal red cells entering maternal circulation can affect Rh immunization risk and guide management. The Kleihauer-Betke test identifies and quantifies fetal red blood cells in the mother's blood. It uses acid elution: fetal hemoglobin resists the acid and stays stained, while adult cells lose color. By counting stained (fetal) versus total cells, you estimate the amount of FMH, which helps determine the needed dose of anti-D immunoglobulin in Rh-negative mothers and assess hemorrhage severity. Other common tests like CBC, PT/INR, and D-dimer assess blood counts, coagulation status, or fibrin degradation, but they do not detect fetal cells in maternal blood and thus don’t measure FMH.

Fetomaternal hemorrhage detection is essential in placental abruption because fetal red cells entering maternal circulation can affect Rh immunization risk and guide management. The Kleihauer-Betke test identifies and quantifies fetal red blood cells in the mother's blood. It uses acid elution: fetal hemoglobin resists the acid and stays stained, while adult cells lose color. By counting stained (fetal) versus total cells, you estimate the amount of FMH, which helps determine the needed dose of anti-D immunoglobulin in Rh-negative mothers and assess hemorrhage severity.

Other common tests like CBC, PT/INR, and D-dimer assess blood counts, coagulation status, or fibrin degradation, but they do not detect fetal cells in maternal blood and thus don’t measure FMH.