Umbilical Cord Blood Collection Procedure

Please note: The following procedure represents a guide only.

Collection Kit Contents

Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)

It is important that Cord Blood is collected in accordance with the principles of Good Manufacturing (GMP).

Key points of GMP relevant to cord blood collectors include:

1. Maintaining sample identity and traceability through correct labelling of collected cord blood and maternal blood, and;
2. Employing aseptic technique during the collection to minimise bacterial contamination of sample.

Collection Procedure

It is recommended that umbilical cord blood be collected while the placenta remains in uteri. This method is simplest and optimizes the volume of blood collected. With Caesarean deliveries, umbilical cord blood may be collected while the placenta is still in situ. Umbilical Cord Blood may also be collected post-delivery, by placing the placenta on a clean “Bluey” on a bench and allowing the blood to gravity drain by hanging the umbilical cord over the edge of the bench.

1. Ensure Identity of mother by confirming her name and date of birth
2. Unwrap the Triple Cord Blood Collection Pack without removing it from the small plastic pouch. Place the mother's Cord Blood ID label directly over the manufacturer’s label already on the blood bag.
3. Please note: Cord Blood received for processing unlabelled cannot be processed.
4. After baby is delivered, clamp cord at the distal end and wipe excess blood from the umbilical cord.
5. Clean the cord by swabbing the collection site in a downward motion 3 times with 3 separate alcohol swabs including the area 2cm above the collection site. Allow the site to dry before attempting the venipuncture.
6. Use one of the needles connected to the Cord Blood Collection Pack to venipuncture the umbilical cord vein.
7. Place the collection bag on a clean sheet on the floor to allow gravity to drain blood from the umbilical cord into the pack. If possible have another person slowly rock the pack to help the blood mix with the anticoagulant in the pack to avoid clotting.
8. When blood has stopped draining and the umbilical cord blood vein has collapsed, clamp the umbilical cord above the venipuncture site before removing the needle.
9. Collect as much blood as possible -- a minimum of 20ml is required for processing to take place.
10. If the vein fails to drain completely due to a clot or restriction in the cord, attempt a subsequent venipuncture higher on the cord (i.e. Closer to the Placenta). The second needle may be used for this purpose.
11. Cover the needle with the attached needle guard and secure the clamp firmly under the guard.
12. Please note: The Macopharma collection kit is designed as a closed unit. This minimises the risk of external bacteria being introduced into the cord blood, therefore please do not cut needles off.
13. Ensure the clamps have been secured below the needle guards on each of the needle lines.
14. Break the cannula on the 8 ml bag of anticoagulant, situated close to the y-junction below the needles. Squeeze the anticoagulant bag to flush any blood from the tubing into the blood pack.
15. Seal the line with the clamp, then hold the clamp firmly closed and slide the clamp along the tubing towards the blood bag, thus stripping the anticoagulant into the pack. Seal the clamp at the top of the blood pack.
16. Rock the blood pack in a swirling motion to ensure the anticoagulant is mixed well with the blood.
17. Using a ballpoint pen, write the date and time of blood collection on the Identification Label placed on the blood pack.

Maternal Blood Collection

May be performed prior to delivery:

1. Label the 3 blood tubes provided with the mother’s details, date and time of collection.
2. Using standard blood collection procedures and in accordance with aseptic techniques, collect venous blood from the mother into the blood tubes, with the Vacutainer barrel and needle provided.
3. Package the 3 blood tubes into the zip-lock ‘biohazard’ sample bag containing an absorbent pad for accidental leakage.

Packaging

1. Ensure all three clamps on the collection pack tubing have been securely sealed and pack is labelled with mother’s details.
2. Wrap the tubing around the pack so that the unit will fit between the two Temperature Stabilizing bricks provided in the kit.
3. Place the blood unit between the Temperature Stabilizers.
4. Place the maternal Blood samples in their biohazard bag on top of the stabilizers. Fold polythene and place foam insert on top.
5. Place the Cardboard lid over the Transport Container and seal the box on each side with the white adhesive packing tape provided.

Documentation

1. Complete appropriate sections of the Umbilical Blood Collection Record included in the Cell Sense document envelope.
2. Place the Document envelope on top of the foam lid inside the collection kit.

Transportation

1. It is the parents' responsibility to contact Cellsense on 1800 005 541. Cellsense will arrange a courier and monitor the package as it travels to the laboratory.

Packaging For Transport

Note: Cord Blood is transported at room temperature, DO NOT place in freezer or remove temperature stabilizer bricks.

STEP 1 – Ensure Mother’s completed ID label has been adhered directly on the cord blood collection bag which contains the baby’s cord blood.	STEP 2 - Wrap tubing around collection bag and place on bottom temperature stabilizer.	STEP 3 - Cover the blood bag with second  stabilizing brick.	STEP 4 – Place biohazard bag containing maternal blood samples on top of the stabilizing unit.
STEP 5 – Fold polythene bag flat enclosing the temperature stabilizer and maternal bloods.	STEP 6 – Replace foam insert and lay document envelope on top of foam.	STEP 7 – Complete checklists. STEP 8 – Replace box lid and secure with the attached white tape.