The Fetal Hemoglobin (HbF) Test is based on a monoclonal antibody directed to fetal hemoglobin (hemoglobin F). This antibody is conjugated with R-phycoerythrin (R-PE). R-PE (phycoerythrin) is a stable and highly soluble phycobiliprotein which provides maximal absorbance and fluorescence emission without susceptibility to internal or external fluorescence quenching, thus providing an exceptional quantum yields and molar extinction coefficients. Use of R-PE in antibody conjugates results in probes with greatly enhanced detectability.

This reagent is intended for the identification and subsequent enumeration of fetal red blood cells. Fetal cells are identified by the presence of fetal hemoglobin by a flow cytometric method. The Fetal Hemoglobin Test may be used as an aid in identifying fetal-maternal hemorrhage and determining the need for immunoprophylaxis with immune globulin.

Antibody Specifications

Description: Fetal Hemoglobin F (HbF), mouse IgG1 monoclonal
Label: R-PE (phycoerythrin)
Validated Application: Flow Cytometry
Species Reactivity: Human
Ex/Em and laser configuration: 496/578 nm, blue laser
Clone ID: HbF-1

Clinical Relevance
The Fetal Hemoglobin Test contains a monoclonal antibody directed to HbF that specifically recognizes fetal hemoglobin found in fetal erythrocytes. The test permits the enumeration of fetal erythrocytes in the maternal circulation as a result of a fetal-maternal hemorrhage, or leakage, of fetal cells into the maternal circulation. Hemorrhage of cells from an Rh⁺ fetus into the circulation of an Rh^- mother may result in the formation of Rh^-reactive antibodies in the mother. Rh hemolytic anemia in a subsequent Rh⁺ fetus may result from placental transfer of antibodies formed in the mother to the fetus. Although the volume of fetal erythrocytes found in the maternal circulation during pregnancy and immediately post-partum is reported to be small and of uncertain clinical significance in many cases, substantial hemorrhage may result from a number of causes including fetal or maternal trauma and placental defects.

Erythrocytes containing fetal hemoglobin may be found in individuals of any age, but with lower amounts of fetal hemoglobin compared to fetal red cells. These cells have been termed F cells. High levels of F cells may also exist in adults with a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders of uncertain etiology referred to as Hereditary Persistence of Fetal Hemoglobin. Other clinical conditions causing significant levels of anemia may also result in elevated levels of F cells. Several clinical conditions have been described that involve increased levels of F cells. These conditions include hereditary anemic diseases such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia major.


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