What tests are carried out on the cord blood?

Your baby's cord blood is tested for:

• Bacterial contamination
• Total Cell Number
• Cellular Viability

Stem cells are difficult to identify just by looking at them; the only proof that a cell is a stem cell is determined by how it acts when it multiplies. Therefore Scientists have developed a number of tests to determine the amount of stem cells in a sample. A protein found on the surface of stem cells is called CD34+ and this is the best known marker for blood-forming cells. Cell Care conducts these tests using its own state-of-the-art instrument (called a flow cytometer).

We also store frozen vials of cord blood plasma and buffy coat cells. These can later be used for extra testing, for example prior to release of the sample for use.