investigations in haemolytic disease of the newborn
Last reviewed 10/2023
If haemolytic disease of the newborn is suspected, the following investigations should be carried out:
- full blood count, with attention to haemoglobin, white cells and reticulocytes
- platelets
- infant blood group and Coombs test
- maternal blood group and haemolysins
- red cell enzyme assay may be a helpful second line investigation
- blood film and osmolar fragility may diagnose spherocytosis