Test Directory

Test Code
RHEP
Test Name
Rh Immune Globulin, Postpartum
CPT Codes
85461, 86850, 86900, 86901
Included Tests
  • ABO
  • Rh
  • Antibody Screen
  • Fetal Bleed Screen Test

Reflexed Testing

  • Antibody Identification
  • Phenotype Antigen Type
  • Direct Coombs Test
  • Eluate
  • Keilhauer - Betke
  • EGA Treatment
  • Rh(D) Genotype
  • Human Erythrocyte Antigen (Genotype)
  • Adsorption
Expected Turnaround Time
1 day
Clinical Utility

Rh Immune Globulin is a concentrated solution of IgG anti-D used to counteract the immunizing effect of Rh-positive red cells in Rh negative individuals.

Rh (D) negative women delivering an Rh (D) positive infant should receive one standard dose of Rh (D) Immune Globulin (RhIG) within 72 hours of delivery.

Additional doses of RhIG may be indicated in cases of a fetal-maternal bleed >30 mL.

Specimen and Container Info

Preferred Specimen Type: Whole Blood

Preferred Collection Container: 1 Pink Top (EDTA)

Alternate Collection Container: 2 Lavender Top (EDTA)

Desired Specimen Volume: 6 mL

Minimum Acceptable Volume: 3 mL

Collection Instructions

Lehigh Valley Health Network

The specimen tube shall be properly labeled with the following 3 independent identifiers for inpatients and outpatients:

  1. Patient's full name
  2. Date of birth
  3. Medical record number

The labels shall also include the following verifiers:

  1. Date and time of collection
  2. Initials/tech code of phlebotomist

Exception Criteria:

  • Trauma -ED patient: Patients with unknown name and date of birth, medical record number and temporary name are acceptable.
  • Good Shepherd Rehab: Typenex band ID is used as an additional patient identifier

Redeemer Health

The specimen shall be identified at the time of collection and labeled at bedside with:

  1. Full name of patient exactly as it appears on the patient's identification bracelet
  2. Medical record number
  3. Phlebotomy code of the person who drew the specimen. If they do not have a code, full name printed legibly.
  4. Date and time of collection

Unique patient identifiers (name and medical record number) must not be changed or added once the tube has been labeled at the patient's bedside.

Transport Instructions

i. Transport to the laboratory at room temperature within 24 hours of collection

ii. Transport to the laboratory refrigerated past 24 hours of collection

Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

24 hours

Refrigerated

48 hours

Causes for Rejection
  • Mislabeled
  • Insufficient volume
  • Inappropriate specimen type
Methodology
Hemagglutination, Column Agglutination
Reference Intervals
  • Negative fetal screen: No presence of Rh(D) positive fetal red cells
  • Positive fetal screen: Presence of Rh(D) positive fetal red cells
Performing Location
Cedar Crest Hospital, Hazleton Hospital, Muhlenberg Hospital, Pocono Hospital, Redeemer Health, Schuylkill Hospital
Testing Schedule
Routine daily, STAT testing available
Reflex Tests
%ABI, %DBS, %DIG, %ELU, ADPT, C3D, EGA, KLB, MGNT1