Rh Immune Globulin, also known as Rhogam or RhIG, is administered for use in preventing RhD (D) alloimmunization. Rh Immune Globulin is indicated in pregnancy, after delivery and other obstetrical conditions, such as feto-maternal hemorrhage during pregnancy and abortion, for Rh-negative and some variant Rh-positive patients. Appropriate ante- and postpartum administration of RhIG reduces the risk of a Rh-negative patient becoming immunized from about 16% to <0.1%. A single dose of Rh Immune Globulin contains sufficient anti-D (300 µg or 1500 IU) to suppress the immune response to up to 15 mL of Rh-positive red blood cells.NOTE: Rh Immune Globulin is only offered to inpatients. Rh Immune Gloublin for outpatients is provided by the offices, consult your Provider.
Useful For
Preventing the risk of RhD (D) alloimmunization.
Method Name
N/A
Aliases
Rhogam, Rhogam, RhIG, Rh Immune, Rh Immune Globulin
Specimen Type
Whole Blood
Specimen Required
Large lavender-top (EDTA) tube, approximately 7 mL
After the patient is positively identified, the sample is drawn and fully labeled with the following information either electronically or handwritten:
- Patient’s full First and Last Name
- Date of Birth or Medical Record Number (MRN#)
- Date and Time specimen was drawn
- Blood Bank Armband Number (BBID) (see below for more information)
- Identify of the person who collected the specimen (Ex: Cerner ID or personnel initials)
All inpatients, or patients potentially receiving a transfusion, must have a blood bank armband (BBID) applied to their wrist and the Blood Bank ID (BBID) number written on the tube. This blood bank armband is a secondary patient identifier that helps ensure a safe and accurate transfusion. Specimens received without a blood bank armband will be rejected. See special instructions for more information.
Specimen Minimum Volume
1.0 – 4.0 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Stable at room temperature for 24 hours.
Rejected Due To
- If the patient’s full first and last name and date of birth are not clear, accurate, and/or readable the specimen must be rejected.
- If the Blood Bank Armband Number (BBID) from the Blood Bank Armband is missing, inaccurate, illegible and/or can not be confirmed on all inpatient and outpatient potential transfusion specimens, the specimen must be rejected and sample redrawn.
- Specimens may be rejected for insufficient quantity and/or quality reasons (Ex: Hemolysis, Clotted dilution, etc).
- If there is any doubt as to the identity of the sample, a new sample must be obtained.
Special Instructions
- Type and screen, fetal screen, and occasionally a fetal stain will be performed as needed to RhIG candidates who have delivered.
- RhIG is indicated after any event that increases the risk of fetal maternal hemorrhage. Antepartum Rh-negative patient that has potentially been exposed to a greater than 15 mL bleed of Rh-positive red cells. In instances such as, amniocentesis or other abdominal trauma resulting in feto-maternal bleeding.
- Historical blood type on file is sufficient.
- Rh negative women after abortion or ectopic pregnancy.
- Historical blood type on file is sufficient.
Performing Laboratory
Rh Immune Globulin is only administered by Glens Falls Hospital to inpatients.
Rh Immune Gloublin for outpatients is provided by the offices, consult your Provider.
Reference Values
N/A
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
24 hours 7 days a week
Analytical Time
Time will vary dependent on testing required for RhIG candidate before RhIG can be administered.
STAT turn around time approximately 1 hour.
Routine inpatient samples around time is approximately 2- 4 hours.
Specimen Retention Time
10 Days
Reflex Tests
N/A
Analytical Time
Time will vary dependent on testing required for RhIG candidate before RhIG can be administered.
STAT turn around time approximately 1 hour.
Routine inpatient samples around time is approximately 2- 4 hours.