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How Is Cord Blood Collected?
by Contributing Writer
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Overview
During pregnancy, nutrients and blood reach the fetus via the umbilical cord. Historically, the umbilical cord was discarded after delivery, though nowadays it is sometimes saved. Cord blood carries hematopoietic cells, commonly known as blood-forming stem cells, which can be vital to recovery from cancer and immune disorders. Today, stem cells found in cord blood are used to treat more than 70 different diseases. If a parent believes her newborn child may get a serious illness, or one of her other children has such an illness, the cord blood can be used in lieu of a bone marrow transplant.
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Step 1
Discuss your desire to collect cord blood with your doctor. It is collected after your baby has been delivered, and the umbilical cord has been cut. Though it does not change the normal birthing procedures at all, your doctor must know beforehand that you wish to collect the cord blood.
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Step 2
Confirm your doctor has the necessary equipment to collect cord blood. While the practice has grown in popularity, many doctors do not routinely perform the procedure. They may need to order a special cord blood collection kit beforehand. Tell your doctor of your desire to collect the cord blood by your 34th week of pregnancy.
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Step 3
Know that the entire process of collecting the cord blood takes approximately 5 minutes. After the umbilical cord has been cut and clamped, your doctor will clean the umbilical cord with an alcohol solution to prevent contamination. He'll then insert a syringe, which is connected to a blood bag, into the cord. The blood from the cord then flows into the bag, thereby collecting your cord blood.
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Step 4
Be aware that cord blood collection brings no risk to you or your baby. The blood is collected after the entire delivery process is complete. Since the cord is no longer attached to either you or your baby, it merely saves something that would normally be thrown away.
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Step 5
Ask your doctor about proper storage for the cord blood. It must be processed within 48 hours of collection. The red blood cells need to be removed and it must be stored in a specialized liquid nitrogen freezer.
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Step 6
Donate
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- You can also donate your cord blood to help those who are in need of the valuable stem cells.
Cord blood can only be collected directly after the baby is birthed.
- You can also donate your cord blood to help those who are in need of the valuable stem cells.
- Cord blood can only be collected directly after the baby is birthed.
