Cord Blood Collection Process
Cord blood is the blood which is extracted from the umbilical cord and the placenta after a baby’s birth. It is rich in blood forming cells. These cells are called stem cells. Research has proved that stem cells can be used to effectively treat various diseases which were earlier regarded as difficult to cure.
The cord blood from the umbilical cord can not be collected unless the mother gives a written permission. After the mother has found a cord blood bank of her choice, she has to undergo extensive paperwork at the cord blood bank. However, just her consent is not enough. She has to undergo various tests to ensure that her blood is fit for preservation and whether there are any genetic abnormalities.
The collection of this blood is done within 15 minutes after the birth and is not a painful procedure. It is a simple and safe procedure for the mother and the baby, and is done by the doctor or the nurse. There are two ways that cord blood collection can be done: syringe or bag method. If the syringe method is used, the blood is drawn from the umbilical cord after it has been cut. This method resembles having ones blood drawn. The bag method of cord blood collection yields as much as possible. The umbilical cord is raised, causing the this blood to flow into the bag.
The training and reporting relationship for the two forms also vary: the after placental delivery method uses collectors trained and employed by the cord blood bank; the utero collections are performed by the delivery room staff, usually the obstetrician or midwife who is responsible for the delivery of the baby and the placenta.
Cord blood collection is a simple, safe and painless procedure done regularly by cord blood banks like Cells4Life. Cord blood banking uses external facilities as a place to store and preserve your baby?s cord blood for a future use. Cord blood collection does not interfere with delivery.