Stored cord blood is used as a source of stem cells for patients undergoing stem cell transplantation. A cord blood product needs to be evaluated prior to transfusion to make sure that it is of adequate quality.
A cord blood product should be evaluated for:
(1) integrity of the storage bag, looking for any signs of a break
(2) any signs of contamination
(3) any discrepancy in findings (HLA type, etc)
(4) legibility of information
(5) completeness of essential information, including the ability to trace the product
(6) completeness in testing for infectious agents
(7) anything compromising preservation, such as unintended thawing
(8) duration of storage
(9) recovery after thawing
A cord blood sample collected and handled by an organization that complies with professional standards is more likely to meet all of these elements.
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