How and when is cord blood collected?
Nothing is more important at the time of birth than the health of mother and child. Because collection of the cord blood takes place after the baby has been delivered, there is no danger to either the mother or baby. After the baby is born, the umbilical cord is clamped, cut and separated from the baby. While waiting for the placenta to deliver, your physician or midwife will collect the cord blood by inserting a needle into the umbilical vein after cleansing the cord. The blood drains into a standard blood donor collection bag by gravity. The entire procedure is non-invasive, painless and does not interfere with the birthing process. If at anytime your physician or midwife becomes concerned about the health of you or your baby, the cord blood collection will not take place. Once the collection is complete, the blood is transported to the St. Louis Cord Blood Bank at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital/Saint Louis University and an initial screening is performed on the blood. If the b
