To detect antigen-antibody complexes on the red blood cell membrane in vivo as well as red blood cell sensitization in Rh-positive neonates whose mothers are Rh negative; hemolytic process possibly occurring due to ABO incompatibility if, for example, the mother is type O and the fetus is type A or B

Tell the parents that a small amount of blood will be drawn from the neonate’s heel. Tell them who will perform the heelstick and when.