What tests are performed on donated cord blood and what happens to the results?
As a public cord blood bank, we are required by law to test cord blood donated for transplantation for certain infectious diseases: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the cause of AIDS), hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV), human T-lymphotropic virus (HTVL) and syphilis. This testing is the same as is required for blood donated for transfusion. We also test the baby’s saliva for Cytomegalovirus (CMV). The cord blood also is tested for hemoglobin abnormalities such as sickle cell disease. And, samples will be stored to allow for testing anytime in the future in case further tests become necessary.
As a public cord blood bank, we are required by law to test cord blood donated for transplantation and the mother for certain infectious diseases, among them: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the cause of AIDS), hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV), human T-lymphotropic virus (HTVL), syphilis, West Nile Virus (WNV) and Chagas disease (a disease common in South America). This testing is the same as is required for blood donated for transfusion. We also test the baby’s blood for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and for hemoglobin abnormalities such as sickle cell disease. And, samples will be stored to allow for testing anytime in the future in case further tests become necessary.
