Determination of fetal RhD status from uncultured amniocytes

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of DNA analysis for fetal RhD status using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on uncultured amniocytes. METHODS: Three hundred forty-seven amniotic fluid (AF) samples obtained for a variety of clinical indications were tested for fetal RhD status using PCR and primers specific for the genes coding for D and Cc/Ee. Fetal RhD status was confirmed by serologic methods on neonatal cord blood obtained at the time of delivery. RESULTS: In 346 of 347 cases (99.7%), the PCR results of AF were in agreement with the serologic RhD blood type. The single error was in an RhD-negative fetus (misidentified as RhD-positive) whose AF was contaminated with blood from an RhD-positive mother. The likelihood of an erroneous result was 0.3%. CONCLUSION: Polymerase chain reaction-based analysis of fetal RhD status using uncultured amniocytes and established primers appears to be highly accurate.

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