Complications of Fetal Blood Sampling During Labor: The Pediatrician Should Always Be Informed When Scalp Samples Have Been Taken

Abstract

During an 18-month period of monitoring at Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center, two instances of persistent bleeding from the puncture sites in the fetal scalp, which were traced to coagulation abnormalities, and one of accidental breakage and retention of the blade used for scalp puncture were encountered. Whenever fetal blood sampling is performed during delivery, one should be certain that scalp bleeding has stopped. Continuing pressure will generally achieve hemostasis, but at times a surgical clip must be applied. When these measures fail, the infant should be delivered promptly and coagulation studies done. The pediatrician should always be informed when scalp samples have been taken.