FETAL CELL STAIN KIT A screening test for the presence of erthrocytes containing fetal hemoglobin in maternal blood.  The procedure is based upon the resistance by fetal hemoglobin to elution by the Simmler Eluting Fluid.  This resistance is contrasted to adult hemoglobin which is easily eluted from the erythrocyte.  A thin smear of freshly drawn maternal blood is fixed using the Simmler Fixing Solution.  The smear is then eluted using the Simmler Citrate Buffer (eluting) Solution.  Smears are then finished using the Simmler Fetal Cell Staining Solution.  Slides then may be examined either dry or using oil-immersion.  Fetal cells will stain a dark reddish-pink while adult cells will appear white to light pink with a darker center.  Staining intensity of adult cells may vary slightly within lots of reagents, however, fetal cells will be easily differentiated.  The slides should be read within 24 hours. Simmler, Inc. P.O. Box 350 4564 North Square Dr. High Ridge, MO. 63049 636-376-8347 800-325-0786 Fax:  636-376-8324