Detecting fetomaternal hemorrhage by flow cytometry.

Purpose of review The aim of this review is to summarize the most recent developments in the area of detection of fetomaternal hemorrhage by flow cytometry. Recent findings Maternal red blood cell chimerism is readily detectable by flow cytometry. Fetal and maternal red blood cells differ in their content of fetal hemoglobin (α2γ2). Fetal red blood cells contain fetal hemoglobin, and normal maternal red blood cells contain some percentage of fetal hemoglobin in a background of normal adult hemoglobin. All blood group systems with allelic differences between mother and fetus are readily applicable for detection of fetomaternal hemorrhage by fetal hemoglobin. Summary Fetal hemoglobin for detection of fetomaternal hemorrhage is an accurate clinical diagnostic procedure for investigation of anemia in fetus and newborn.