what happens - cord blood procedures - processing

On arrival at our facility, your baby's Cord Blood sample is carefully measured and tests for sterility, viability and cell counts performed to evaluate the sample. The sample is then processed to remove the red blood cell and excess plasma components and to isolate the buffy coat component containing the umbilical cord blood stem cells.

This machine is used to separate the different fractions of the collected blood. The red blood cells, the plasma and the buffy coat, which contains the stem cells. The operator is seen programming the machine. The blood collection bag can be seen behind the Perspex plate. The plasma (yellow) and red blood cells (red) can be seen after the separation has taken place.

Following the initial separation of the collected blood the red blood cell and plasma fractions are clearly visible. The buffy coat is found between the two fractions.

The buffy coat fraction seen here is being transferred into special bags for the slow controlled rate freezing and subsequent long-term storage. This is carried out in a laminar flow hood, which provides a sterile working environment.