A new device for collecting cord blood.

Safe sampling of cord blood can reduce the risk of exposure to infectious agents by obstetric personnel. We developed a new device for collecting umbilical cord blood. Using a modified closed-cup instrument, gravity drainage within the sealed device allows for guarded-needle vacuum tube blood collection. The mean (+/- standard deviation) volume of blood collected with the device was 6.1 +/- 3.1 mL. Adding heparin into the device increased the volume collected by approximately 2 mL. The diameter and length of the cord were also related to the amount obtained. Only two of 122 samples (1.6%) had less than 1 mL of blood. The introduction of a closed container, umbilical cord sampling device offers a clear potential for risk reduction, particularly the risk of needle-stick injuries but also direct blood contamination. The device is simple to use, offers easy and safe disposal, and can be operated by physicians or nurses.