Application:
The measurement of fetal hemoglobin is important in the assessment of possible feto-maternal haemorrhage in cases of RhD-negative women with a RhD-positive baby. This is necessary to ensure an adequate dose of anti-D immunoglobulin is given post-natally to suppress allo-immunisation by any fetal hemoglobulin present in the maternal bloodstream.

Figure on the right: Identification of Fetal Red Blood cells after mixing with adult (75%) and cord erythrocytes (25%)

A second application concerns monitoring the level of HbF after treatment of sickle-cell anaemia and b-thalassemia with fetal hemoglobulin stimulating reagents. The measurement of HbF level and the number of cells containing fetal hemoglobin is considered to be of prognostic value in these hemoglobinopathies and would help to evaluate the effect of therapy.
Fetal hemoglobin can be detected by staining peripheral blood cells with a pure or fluorochrome-labeled mouse monoclonal antibody, clone NaM16-2F4, specific for the g chain of human Hb (1,2).
It can be used to measure a wide range of fetal cell percentages and also in dual staining along with other hemoglobin variants and erythrocyte surface antigens. Measurement by flow cytometry saves time compared to traditional methods, is reproducible and gives accurate fetal blood cell counts (3).

Specifications:
Clone NaM16-2F4, produces IgG1 immunoglobulins directed against the human gama chain of human Hb (1,2). A protocol for use is supplied with the purchased monoclonal antibody.

References:
1. Navenot,J-M., et al. 1997. Cytometry. 32: 186-190
2. Maier-Redelsperger, M., et al., 1994 Blood 84: 3182-3188
3. Campbell, T.A., Ware, R.E., Mason, M., 1999. Cytometry, 35, 242-248

For research only. Not for use in humans. For in vitro use only.