What is the optimum cord blood collection method, gravity drip versus syringe?

Answer: Studies have shown that pulling the blood out with a syringe tends to draw a bigger sample than simply letting the blood drip by gravity into a bag.

References:

• Bertolini F, et al. (1995) J Hematother Feb;4(1):29-36. “Comparative study of different procedures for the collection and banking of umbilical Cord Blood.”
• Elchalal U, et al. (2000) Am J Obstet Gynecol. Dec;183(6):1587-8. These authors advocate flushing all the blood out with saline, which is a more aggressive method than simply pulling out blood, and is not in routine use.