The Diagnosis of ABO Haemolytic Disease

Summary. (1) The D.P.A.G. test is a sensitive, simple and inexpensive test. In 84% of jaundiced ABO heterospecific cases the test indicated that the foetal cells had been sensitized by the maternal iso‐agglutinins. (2) The PCV estimation of foetal blood was found to be of little value as a diagnostic aid, except in cases of severe ABO haemolytic disease where it was found to be below normal. (3) Morphology of the red blood cells proved disappointing as a diagnostic measure in our hands. In my opinion the tests of choice for a diagnosis of ABO haemolytic disease are the ABO and Rhesus groups of the mother and child, the D.P.A.G. test, and a bilirubin estimation of the cord blood or venous blood of the child.