Cord blood collection

Cord blood stem cells are collected after the baby's birth from the umbilical cord. Cord blood collection takes place whatever the way of birth was chosen: vaginal or cesarean. Each cord blood bank offers a special kit for collecting cord blood stem cells after you have signed the Consent Form and the Questionnaire about your family health history. That kit is used before the elimination of placenta, which is also used for collecting blood and cells. Although the cesarean delivery is more complicated, cord blood collection may be made. In this case the quantity would be smaller, but still the collected stem cells may be used later in case of diseases.

Cord blood collection is made within 15 minutes after the birth and is not a painful operation. It is characterized by simplicity and safety for the mother and the baby, being done by the doctor or the nurse. There are two possible methods of collecting cord blood stem cells: syringe or bag method. Using the syringe method, the blood is drawn from the umbilical cord after it has been cut. This method resembles with the simple blood drawing. The bag method permits more cord blood to be collected, raising the umbilical cord, causing the flawing of the cord blood into the bag. Some caregivers assert that a closed-system bag is the most save, providing less chances of bacterial contamination. The collecting process usually doesn't last more that 5 minutes. The syringe or bag should have a label with the unique number of your baby. The collected cord blood should be processed by specialists in the laboratory within 48 hours and stored properly.

If you are wondering about the risks of a cord blood collection, then the answer is that no risks are included. This collection is available for any family since 1995 and is very important especially if your family medical history speaks about serious genetic or blood disorders or even heart or liver diseases.

Cord blood collection is performed by trained and responsible healthcare providers. There are special courses of educational and practical resources in order to provide professional and effective collection. The most effective and safe method implies as less as possible changes of the syringes or other containers in order to avoid contamination. While choosing a cord blood bank some questions should be raised about cord blood collection, about the used method, the time needed for the collection and the number of containers for your baby's cord blood stem cells.