Cord
blood is collected in small (250 ml) blood collection
bags containing anticoagulant to prevent blood from
clotting. This bag also allows the collected blood
to be processed in a closed system, which limits
the possibility of bacterial contamination during
extensive blood processing.
DELIVERY
OF CORD BLOOD TO THE BLOOD CENTER:
Community
Blood Services operates 24 hours a day. The collection
facility informs the blood center about cord blood
collection. Collected units are picked up from the
delivery site by a blood center employee or designated
courier.
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CORD
BLOOD PROCESSING:
Processing
of cord blood is performed as soon as possible
but no later than 48 hours after collection. Processing
involves three major steps:
1. Removal of red cells
2. Volume reduction of White Cell Concentrate
3. Freezing
CORD
BLOOD AND MATERNAL TESTING:
Each
sample of maternal blood matching collected cord blood is
tested against the panel of recommended tests. Positive results
of these tests may disqualify the cord blood from being used
in the future.
STORAGE:
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Cord
Blood units are stored in a Liquid Nitrogen Freezer. To
guarantee safety of the stored units:
1. The
storage facility is equipped with an electrical
power generator.
2. Each freezer has its own battery back-up.
3. Temperatures are recorded by an employee of the blood center around the clock,
monitored by an independent company, and checked daily.
4. Liquid Nitrogen feeding of the freezers is controlled automatically and carefully
monitored.
