Feotal Heamoglobin

Andy (mrpacj@south-01.novell.leeds.ac.uk)
Wed, 6 Nov 1996 10:25:34 GMT0BST

I'm involved in a pilot study to measure/quantitate the number of
feotal cells found in the maternal circulation after a miscarriage,
etc...
Our approach is to fix and lyse the cells which allows us to label feotal
haemoglobin (Hb-gamma). The ideal result would be two distinct
peaks, but currently are result show a broad peak, with a
positive "shoulder", which allows us to distinguish the presence of
feotal cells but not determine a value. This is due to the maternal red
cells being unable able to with stand the harsh treatment.

Does anybody know of a cocktail that is capable of fixing and
permeablising adult red blood cells ?

Any comments appreciated.

Andy Johnson, Leeds Blood Transfusion Centre.