Foetal blood sampling in the regional hospital.

Several difficulties arise in the introduction of foetal blood sampling in a regional hospital. Ideally there should be a unit sufficient to provide continuous registrar cover (anaesthetic cover and medical cover) of the labour suite. In our hospital duties have been reallocated in an attempt to attain this standard. Both consultant and registrar staff must take adequate study leave to understand the principle and practice of blood sampling. Regular lectures and demonstrations must be given to nursing and resident staff. The cost of the initial equipment is abut pound1,000.double daggerFoetal blood sampling has been employed in the unit since January 1968. Its principal use has been the assessment of "foetal distress" Except for one case no low pH value has been found in a "high risk" patient unless the foetus showed signs of clinical distress.