Umbilical Cord Blood Collection: Some Frequently Asked Questions
Did you choose to store your baby’s cord blood in a cord blood bank? Wondering how it will be done? Will it hurt your baby? Here are some questions that every parent thinks of when signing up for a cord blood draw.
Let’s start by answering the question: “What is cord blood?”
Umbilical cord blood can be defined as the blood taken from the umbilical cord at the time of birth. This blood is rich in stem cells. Stem cells are those cells that created the various organs and other parts of the baby’s body. These cells have a unique ability to “adapt to any environment within the body.” They can easily be called the cells that created your baby.
How is blood collected from the umbilical cord?
Cord blood is usually collected after the placenta is delivered and the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. The surface of the umbilical cord is disinfected and a vein is punctured. The blood is collected in special blood collection bags that prevent contamination. Alternatively, some cord blood banks may also use 60cc syringes. However, this needs to contain a blood thinner. The entire process usually takes 5-10 minutes. Any delay of more than 15 minutes can drastically reduce the amount of cord blood and stem cells.
Can this process harm the baby and the mother in any way?
No, this process of storing stem cells in a cord blood bank does not harm the baby or the mother in any way. The blood is collected after the baby is born and the umbilical cord is clamped. The syringe is not held close to your baby and blood is NOT drawn while the baby is still attached to the umbilical cord. Your baby is being cared for elsewhere while cord blood is collected for storage in a cord blood bank.
How much blood is required for this?
The cord blood bank representative and doctors try to collect as much cord blood as possible. Studies show that larger numbers of stem cells are more useful during transplants and the success rate is higher.
How many years can a baby’s umbilical cord blood be stored?
Cord blood banking is a relatively new concept. However, the researchers say that, if carefully preserved, umbilical cord blood can be kept in a cord blood registry for at least 15 years without any reduction in quality.
Will parents have any role in the collection?
Yes, the collection kit will be provided to you after the cord blood bank application is accepted. You have to remember to take it with you while you go to the hospital for the delivery. Don’t forget to tell the doctors and the cod blood bank beforehand, as they may not be in a position to remind you during or immediately after delivery!
What will happen if the mother has to undergo a caesarean section?
The cord blood collection process is the same. The placenta is delivered, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, and the cord blood is drained into vials or collection bags.
Finally, if there is a complication in the delivery, there is a chance that doctors will decide to abandon the plan to collect cord blood in order to store it in a cord blood bank.