Cord blood is a sample of blood collected from the umbilical cord at the time of birth.
How the test is performed:
Immediately after the birth of your baby, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. If cord blood is to be drawn, another clamp is placed 8 to 10 inches away from the first, then the isolated section is cut and a blood sample is collected into a specimen tube.
How to prepare for the test:
No special preparation is necessary for this test.
How the test will feel:
You will not feel anything beyond the normal birthing process.
Review Date: 9/19/2006
Reviewed By: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Neonatology
