Look for bone fragment in vagina, signifying an open pelvic fracture. In general, this should be reserved for the obstetrician. It should be performed in a setting where an emergency cesarean section can be performed. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of trauma during pregnancy, followed by falls and direct assaults to the abdomen. Acid elution eliminates adult hemoglobin.
Fetal hemoglobin is resistant and stains.
A positive test in the event of fetal distress may indicate life-threatening hemorrhage in fetal circulation. A D-dimer test helps to determine course of action in the presence of placental abruption. Radiologic examinations should not be deferred because of the presence of the fetus. Data on injury to conceptus secondary to diagnostic radiology are suggestive only. An AP pelvis film delivers 0.16 mGy dose to the fetus, while typical dose from CT scan of the pelvis is approximately 20-50 mGy.