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Cord blood

Cord blood

Definition

Cord blood is a sample of blood collected from the umbilical cord at the time of birth.

Why the Test is Performed

Cord blood testing is done to determine the following:

  • Bilirubin levels
  • Blood culture (if an infection is suspected)
  • Blood gases, to evaluate the oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels
  • Blood sugar level
  • Blood type and Rh
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Platelet count

How the Test is Performed

Immediately after the birth of your baby, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. If cord blood is to be drawn, another clamp is placed 8 to 10 inches away from the first, then the isolated section is cut and a blood sample is collected into a specimen tube.

How to Prepare for the Test

No special preparation is necessary for this test.

How the Test Will Feel

You will not feel anything beyond the normal birthing process.

Risks

There are no risks above and beyond those normally experienced by the mother and child at the time of birth.

Considerations

Most hospitals routinely collect cord blood at birth, since it is relatively convenient and birth is the only time it is possible to do. Some parents choose to have cord blood banked, believing it night be useful later if the child has a condition that would require a bone marrow transplant. Cord blood banking for personal use is done by private companies, which charge for the service.

However, experts say that cord blood is rarely needed and often cannot be used because it contains the same cells that caused the disease in the child.

Normal Results

Normal values mean that all items evaluated are within normal range.

What Abnormal Results Mean

A low pH (less than 7.15) means there are high levels of acids in the baby's blood. This might occur when the baby does not get enough oxygen during labor. One reason for this could be that the umbilical cord was compressed during labor or delivery.

A blood culture that is positive for bacteria indicates septicemia.

High levels of blood sugar (glucose) in the cord blood may be found if the mother has diabetes. The newborn will be watched for hypoglycemia after delivery.

High levels of bilirubin could be due to:

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

Review Date: 5/2/2008
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Maternal & Child Health, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine; Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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