Cord blood

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

A low pH (less than 7.2) indicates 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 delivery.

A blood culture that is positive for bacteria indicates septicemia.

Elevated levels of glucose in the cord blood may be found if the mother has diabetes. The newborn will be watched for rebound hypoglycemia after delivery.

Elevate bilirubin could indicate:

• Maternal jaundice
• Maternal ingestion of sulfa drugs during pregnancy
• Rh incompatibility
• Dubin-Johnson syndrome
• Congenital toxoplasmosis
• Congenital rubella
• Congenital hepatitis
• Congenital CMV

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.