Cord blood

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

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.

No special preparation is necessary for this test.

You will not feel anything beyond the normal birthing process.

Cord blood testing is performed to assess the following:

• Blood gases, to evaluate the oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels
• Blood type and Rh
• Respiratory status
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Platelet count
• Hemoglobin levels (Hgb)
• Hematocrit (HCT)
• Bilirubin levels
• Glucose
• Blood culture (if an infection is suspected)

Review Date: 09/19/2006
Reviewed By: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.