Calculating RhIG Dosage

How to Subscribe
MLS & MLT Comprehensive CE Package
Includes 183 CE courses, most popular
$109Add to cart
Pick Your Courses
Up to 8 CE hours
$55Add to cart
Individual course$25Add to cart
The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Rh-Negative Mother with Anti-D at Delivery: A Case Study. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

Learn more about Rh-Negative Mother with Anti-D at Delivery: A Case Study (online CE course)
Calculating RhIG Dosage

Using the estimated volume of fetal bleed determined by the KB test or flow cytometry, the number of vials of RhIG (300 µg) to inject is calculated as follows:
  • Number of vials of 300 µg (1500 IU) RhIG = volume of fetal bleed/30 mL
In the interests of safety, some organizations recommend the following to deal with decimal points:
  • If the number to the right of the decimal point is less than 5, round down and add 1 vial (e.g., 1.4 = 1 + 1 = 2 vials).
  • If the number to the right of the decimal point is greater than or equal to 5, round up and add 1 vial (e.g., 1.7 = 2 + 1 = 3 vials).
Sub-calculations:
  • Volume of fetal bleed: % fetal cells x maternal blood volume
  • Maternal blood volume: 70 mL/kg x weight (kg) (assume 5,000 mL if maternal information is unknown)