The procedure for collecting cord blood
The procedure for collecting cord blood
It will take only 5 minutes for your doctor to collect your baby's cord blood. These are the most common steps in this simple procedure.
By the YeahBaby.com editorial staff
The procedure for collecting cord blood is quick and simple. Here are the steps your doctor will follow to collect your baby's cord blood. Steps in collecting cord blood will vary from one bank to another. The actual steps your doctor will follow will be in your cord blood collection kit.
- The parents will bring their "Cord Blood Stem Cell Collection Kit" with them to the hospital. The kit is given to the doctor.
- Labels are affixed to the blood collection bags and the maternal blood tubes.
- A maternal blood draw is performed to screen the mother for infectious diseases. This is typically completed prior to the delivery. The blood samples are placed in the insulated container.
- After the baby is delivered, the doctor will cut the umbilical cord as close to the baby as safely possible.
- The umbilical cord is cleaned of surface blood and prepped for the blood draw.
- The collection tubing leading to the collection bag is clamped near the needle. This will help avoid any contamination.
- The collection needle is inserted into the umbilical cord.
- The collection bag is lowered below the point where the needle has been inserted into the umbilical cord. The clamp is removed and the cord blood will gravity flow into the collection bag. It will take about 2 minutes to fill the collection bag (50 ml or more).
- Once the blood flow stops, the umbilical cord is clamped below the needle insertion point. The tube leading to the collection bag is also clamped. The needle is removed and any blood remaining in the collection tube is slid into the collection bag.
- The collection tubing is cut. The collection needle and attached tubing are discarded.
- Necessary paperwork is labeled and completed.
- The blood collection bag is placed within a bio-safety bag. The bio-safety bag is placed into the insulated container.
- If the mother has consented to donating her placenta, the placenta is placed in a separate bio-safety bag and placed into the insulated container.
- The collection process is now complete. The kit is given to the mother, father, partner or coach. At the earliest possible time, the cord blood bank should be called to arrange the pickup. A specialized courier will soon arrive to pick up your cord blood kit!
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