The Fetal Hemoglobin (HbF), clone HbF-1, R-PE (phycoerythrin) conjugate is a monoclonal mouse antibody that recognizes the expressed product of the HPFH gene. The antibody is specific to human fetal hemoglobin (anti-fetal hemoglobin) and is conjugated to R-PE. R-PE 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.


Clinical Relevance
The Fetal Hemoglobin monoclonal antibody specifically recognizes fetal hemoglobin found in fetal erythrocytes. The antibody 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 with increased levels of F cells. These conditions include hereditary anemic diseases such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia major.

In Vitro Diagnostic
For In Vitro Diagnostic Use.

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