Cord Blood Workup
Orderable EAP code:
Billable EAP Codes:
CPT Codes:
Lab Section:
Includes:
ABO Group, Rh Type, and IgG Direct Coombs
Turnaround Time:
Routine: 2 hours
Urgent: 1 hour
Test Schedule:
Available 24 hours a day.
Specimen Requirements:
UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD: 2 to 4 mL blood in a LAVENDER top tube. Specimen stability: up to 3 days at room temperature.
See link for instructions for identification and labeling of Transfusion Service specimens.
Sample Information (Opens in a new window)
Pediatric Specimen Requirements:
2.0 mL blood in a LAVENDER top tube. Specimen stability: up to 3 days at room temperature.
Comments:
Cord blood is routinely collected and requested as "hold, don’t process". Routine or specific testing may be ordered initially or any time up to 1 week on stored specimens.
If the Direct Coombs is positive, the Transfusion Service calls the patient location immediately. A positive Direct Coombs on a cord sample is consistent with maternal antibody adsorbed to infant red cells and suggests continued monitoring of the infant for signs of shortened red cell survival. The severity of hemolytic disease of the newborn varies markedly with the blood group system involved and with individual mother/baby pairs, and although most commonly subclinical, the disease can produce significant hyperbilirubinemia with or without significant anemia. This is especially true if the infant has additional risk factors. Eluates to determine the specificity of the antibody are performed only on specific physician request.