Maternofetal transfusion during delivery and sensitization of the newborn against the rhesus D-antigen.

The presence of maternal cells was determined in a blood sample of 86 rhesus D-negative newborns with a rhesus D-positive mother using the 'minor cell population technique' of Jones and Silver. Maternal cells were found in 43 percent of the samples, irrespective of ABO incompatibility. Anti-D antibodies were detected in 22.2 percent of serum samples from 53 children taken at 6-10 months after birth. There was no correlation between the presence of anti-D and the results of the minor cell population technique at birth. The results are discussed.