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Cord blood 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:
No preparation for the test is necessary on your part.
How it Feels:
Nothing outside the normal birthing process will be felt.
Risks:
There are no risks above and beyond those normally experienced by the mother and child at the time of birth.
Why this Test is Performed:
The test is performed to assess:
Normal Values:
Normal values indicate that all items evaluated are within normal range.
Abnormal Results:
A low pH (pH <7.25) indicates acidemia, and further evaluation of pH and base deficit values will determine whether the acidemia is a result of little blood flow or oxygen exchange between the mother and placenta, or from cord compression.
A blood culture that is positive for bacteria indicates septicemia .
Elevated levels of glucose indicate maternal diabetes , and your health care provider know that your child should be watched for rebound hypoglycemia .
Elevate bilirubin could indicate:
Special Considerations:
Most hospitals routinely collect a cord blood, since it is relatively convenient to do so and the only time it is possible, if your child has a normal and uneventful childbirth your health care provider may choose not to take the sample.
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