Test Information

Cord Blood Studies are performed on the cord blood of a newborn, when the mother is known Rh(o)D Negative, had an unknown Rh type, or has known significant antibody(ies). The ABO/RH test is performed to determine if a post partum Rh(o)D Negative mother is an Rh Immune Globulin candidate. The DAT is performed to determine if maternal antibody is coating the newborn red cells. Cord Blood specimens for Transfusion Services studies must be labeled with Baby's first and last name, Medical Record number, Collection Date and Time and collector's initials. Do not label the Cord Blood Sample with Mother's name or medical record number. Order Cord Blood Study in the Hospital computer system. Fill out a Hospital Blood Bank Test Request for the Cord Blood Study with baby's Name, Medical Record Number, Admit number, requesting physician, and mark ABO/RH and DAT in the serological procedures column. If mother is a possible Rh Immune Globulin candidate, fill out a second Hospital Blood Bank Test Request with Mother's Name, Medical Record Number, Admit number, requesting physician, and mark FBSC (Fetal blood screen) in the serological procedures column. Send the properly labeled specimen, Cord Blood order slip, and Hospital blood bank test request(s) to blood bank.

Cord Blood studies include Blood Group and Type (ABO/RH), and Direct Antiglobulin test (DAT). Specimen is tested with polyspecific antiserum. If positive, monospecific IgG and C3 will be tested and charged. When the DAT is positive, elution studies will be performed to determine the maternal antibody(ies) that are coating the cord cells.