[Foeto-maternal haemorrhage--detection and quantification]

Quantification of foetal RBCs in maternal blood samples should be essential to establish the dose of prophylactic anti-RhD immunoglobulin. In practice, the volume of foetomaternal haemorrhage (FMH) is rarely calculated and routine anti-RhD doses vary in the world from 100 microg to 300 microg. In Poland the postpartum dose of IgG anti-D is 150 microg, and there is no antepartum prophylaxis. The aim of this review paper is to present that detection and quantification of FMH are important and introduction of some tests for it evaluation is necessary in Poland. Taking into consideration many reports and our preliminary experiences we show principles of some methods and techniques, their advantages and limits. As immunohaematologists we indicate very important multidisciplinary problem which concerns transfusiologists, gynaecologists and haematologists.