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Fetal Blood Typing After Induced Abortion

From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the New York Hospital, Cornell University Medical Center, New York, NY.

Abstract

An attempt was made to determine the Rh type of saline induced aborted fetuses. Twenty-eight patients admitted to New York Hospital and Cornell Medical Center were studied. The blood was obtained (within 1 hour after abortion in most cases) from the piece of cord cut from the abortus. The blood cells were confirmed to be of fetal origin by the Kleihauer-Betke stain. In 27 of the 28 cases, the RH type could be determined. Two of the 28 fetuses (1 set of twins) were typed as Rh negative and the mother did not need Rh immunoglobulin. In no case did the blood group and Rh type conflict with the mother's blood group and Rh type. It is possible to determine the Rh type of fetal erythrocytes after saline-induced abortion. When practical, this simple procedure will prevent Rh immunoglobulin from being used when it is not indicated, and the approach towards the management of Rh-negative women undergoing saline induced abortions will be more methodical.