Cord Blood Collection Research Articles

Using autologous umbilical cord blood and placental cells for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy: an exploratory safety and feasibility study.

Introduction. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) caused by lack of oxygen and perfusion to the brain can lead to acute neurological damage in newborns. Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is the most effective and safest treatment. However, mortality remains high with numerous long-term sequelae. Cellular therapies, particularly umbilical cord blood (UCB), are being studied as alternative therapies. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility and safety of combining autologous cord blood cell infusion with moderate hypothermia. Population and methods. Twelve infants of 36 weeks gestational age or older, diagnosed with moderate or severe HIE and with umbilical cord blood (UCB) collected were included. UCB was volume-reduced, and up to four doses were obtained. These doses were infused within the first 72 postnatal hours. Time to the first infusion and possible adverse reactions to the infusion were evaluated. Results. Between 2014 and 2019, 12 infants were included in the protocol (TH + UCB), 9 with a diagnosis of moderate HIE and 3 with severe HIE. In all cases, at least one dose of UCB was obtained for infusion. In all cases, the first dose was infused within 24 hours in every case, and no adverse reactions attributable to the infusion were observed. Conclusions. The collection, processing, and infusion of fresh autologous umbilical cord blood for use in newborns with HIE are feasible and safe under our conditions.

Gestational diabetes mellitus affects the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells in neonatal umbilical cord blood.

There are abundant hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in cord blood. It is known that HSCs continue to differentiate to CLP, CMP and erythroid progenitor cells (EPC), EPC ultimately differentiated to platelets and erythrocytes. It has been reported that the proportion of HSCs in cord blood was higher than that in healthy pregnant women, so as the incidence of neonatal polycythemia in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients. We aimed to investigate whether the hyperglycemic and/or hyperinsulin environment in GDM patients has effects on the differentiation of HSCs into erythrocytes in offspring cord blood. In this study, we collected cord blood from 23 GDM patients and 52 healthy pregnant women at delivery. HSCs, CLP, CMP and EPCs in cord blood of the two groups were identified and quantified by flow cytometry. HSCs were sorted out and treated with glucose and insulin, respectively, and then, the changes of HSCs proliferation and differentiation were detected. Compared to healthy controls, HSCs, CMP and EPC numbers in cord blood from GDM group were significantly increased, while CLP cell number was decreased. The differentiation of HSCs into EPC was promoted after treatment with glucose or insulin. There were more HSCs in the cord blood of GDM group, and the differentiation of HSCs to EPCs was increased. These findings were probably caused by the high-glucose microenvironment and insulin medication in GDM patients, and the HSCs differentiation changes might be influencing factors of the high incidence of neonatal erythrocytosis in GDM patients.

Umbilical cord blood collection: Techniques and clinical indication

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a useful source of hematopoietic stem cells, offering impressive advantages over other stem cell sources, including ease of production and reduced incidence of graft-versus-host disease. This review discusses advanced wire blood production techniques, evaluates its current medical applications, and addresses the technical and moral in this field. It highlights the therapeutic potential of metallic blood in the treatment of hematological diseases, genetic disorders and immunodeficiency, and explores new therapeutic areas, including regenerative medicine and autoimmune diseases. Future prospects focus on technological improvements to increase cell yield and viability, expand medical testing and develop global regulatory standards. In particular, through collaborative efforts in technology and ethics, umbilical cord blood can advance disease treatment paradigms and improve the outcomes of regenerative cures.

Mitigation of supply chain challenges in cell therapy manufacturing: perspectives from the cord blood alliance.

Cellular therapies rely on highly specialized supply chains that often depend on single source providers. Public cord blood banks (CBB) manufacturing the first cell therapy to be highly regulated by the FDA and related international agencies are a prime example of being subject to this phenomenon. In addition to banking unrelated donor cord blood units for transplantation, CBBs also source and characterize starting materials for supply to allogeneic cell therapy developers that often employ customized technologies offered by just a small number of manufacturers. As such, these supply chains are especially sensitive to even minor changes which often result in potential major impacts. Regulations can shape supply chain efficiencies, both directly via the definition of restricted technology and process requirements and indirectly by steering strategic business decisions of critical supply or service providers. We present 3 current supply chain issues with different root causes that are swaying efficiencies in cord blood banking and beyond. Specifically, the shortage of Hespan, a common supplement used in cord blood processing, the decision by the provider to stop supporting medical device marking of the Sepax system broadly used in cord blood banking, and a new European ruling on phasing out plasticizers that are critical for providing flexibility to cord blood collection bags, are all threatening downstream supply chain issues for the biologics field. We discuss overcoming these hurdles through the prism of unified mitigation strategies, defined, and implemented by multi-factorial teams and stakeholders, to negotiate resolutions with providers and regulators alike.

β3-adREnoceptor Analysis in CORD Blood of Neonates (β3 RECORD): Study Protocol of a Pilot Clinical Investigation.

Background and Objective: The embryo and the fetus develop in a physiologically hypoxic environment, where vascularization is sustained by HIF-1, VEGF, and the β-adrenergic system. In animals, β3-adrenoceptors (β3-ARs), up-regulated by hypoxia, favor global fetal wellness to such an extent that most diseases related to prematurity are hypothesized to be induced or aggravated by a precocious β3-AR down-regulation, due to premature exposure to a relatively hyperoxic environment. In animals, β3-AR pharmacological agonism is currently investigated as a possible new therapeutic opportunity to counteract oxygen-induced damages. Our goal is to translate the knowledge acquired in animals to humans. Recently, we have demonstrated that fetuses become progressively more hypoxemic from mid-gestation to near-term, but starting from the 33rd-34th week, oxygenation progressively increases until birth. The present paper aims to describe a clinical research protocol, evaluating whether the expression level of HIF-1, β3-ARs, and VEGF is modulated by oxygen during intrauterine and postnatal life, in a similar way to animals. Materials and Methods: In a prospective, non-profit, single-center observational study we will enroll 100 preterm (group A) and 100 full-term newborns (group B). We will collect cord blood samples (T0) and measure the RNA expression level of HIF-1, β3-ARs, and VEGF by digital PCR. In preterms, we will also measure gene expression at 48-72h (T1), 14 days (T2), and 30 days (T3) of life and at 40 ± 3 weeks of post-menstrual age (T4), regardless of the day of life. We will compare group A (T0) vs. group B (T0) and identify any correlations between the values obtained from serial samples in group A and the clinical data of the patients. Our protocol has been approved by the Pediatric Ethical Committee for Clinical Research of the Tuscany region (number 291/2022). Expected Results: The observation that in infants, the HIF-1/β3-ARs/VEGF axis shows similar modulation to that of animals could suggest that β3-ARs also promote fetal well-being in humans.

Umbilical Cord Blood Collection Protocol and the Impact on the Nucleated and Progenitor Cell Quantity and Quality

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Umbilical Cord Blood Collection During Cesarean Section: Effect on Maternal Blood Loss and Morbidity [ID 2683610

INTRODUCTION: Umbilical cord blood collection (UCBC) for stem-cell banking is routinely performed during cesarean sections (CS). Few studies have examined the maternal effect. This study's objective is to evaluate whether UCBC during CS is associated with increased maternal blood loss and morbidity. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective cohort study of primary CS (PCS) in 2021. Exclusion criteria were age less than 18, multifetal gestation, gestational age less than 34 weeks, emergency, and infection. Data were compared between participants with and without UCBC during PCS. Extensive demographic data was collected and compared. The primary outcome was quantitative blood loss (QBL). Secondary outcomes were operative time, hemorrhage medication usage, and blood transfusion (BT). RESULTS: Eight hundred two PCS were reviewed, and 191 were excluded. Of the remaining 611, UCBC was attempted in 151 (24.7%). The UCBC cohort had higher gestational age (39.1 versus 38.7; P=.007), were less often in labor (P=.004) or on magnesium (P=.022), and were more likely to be scheduled (P=.002). Quantitative blood loss was higher with UCBC (1,091.5 versus 1,007.5 mL; P=.075). In non-labored PCS, the QBL difference was statistically significant (941.8 versus 798 mL; P=.034). Umbilical cord blood collection was associated with increased operative time (62.4 versus 56.8 minutes; P<.001) and postoperative BT (7.2% versus 3.3%; P=.036). There were no associations between UCBC and usage of hemorrhage medications. CONCLUSION: Umbilical cord blood collection increases QBL in nonlabored PCS. Umbilical cord blood collection increases operative time and postoperative BT in PCS. Patients should be appropriately counseled and selected for UCBC based on hemorrhage risk factors.

A cost-effectiveness analysis of using umbilical cord blood pH for the diagnosis and management of neonatal asphyxia in term high-risk pregnancy.

The objective was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of using umbilical cord blood pH (UC-pH) in combination with APGAR score for neonatal asphyxia, in terms of high-risk pregnancies, compared to using the APGAR score only. Neonatal outcomes and the proportions of patients admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were evaluated. A cost-effectiveness ambispective analysis study was carried out, comparing (i) UC-pH combined with APGAR score and (ii) APGAR score only in 399 term pregnancies with a high risk for neonatal asphyxia. Costs included implementation, medical, and admission costs. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) were calculated. The proportions of patients admitted to the NICU were evaluated. UC-pH combined with APGAR score demonstrated a cost-effective outcome (3990.64 USD vs 5545.11 USD) and an ICER shown as saving 103.66 USD compared to the APGAR score alone. The need for NICU admission was less in the umbilical cord blood collection group (18 vs 33 cases). A combination of UC-pH with APGAR score assessment for neonatal asphyxia in a high-risk term pregnancy can effectively reduce costs and requirement for NICU admission.

The Optimal Storage Condition and Storage Time of Umbilical Cord Blood from Collection to Preparation

To explore the optimal storage condition and time of umbilical cord blood from collection to preparation. Collect cord blood samples from 30 healthy newborns, with each new born's umbilical cord blood was divided into two parts on average. One part was stored in cold storage (4 ℃) and the other was stored at room temperature (20-24 ℃). Samples were taken at 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 h, respectively, total nucleated cells (TNC) count and TNC viability was analyzed. Flow cytometry was used to detect the ratio of viable CD34+ cells to viable CD45+ cells and viability of CD34+ cells, and colony-forming unit-granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-GM) count was performed by hematopoietic progenitor cell colony culture. The change trend of each index over time was observed, and the differences in each index was compared between cold storage and room temperature storage under the same storage time. The TNC count (r 4 ℃=-0.9588， r 20-24 ℃=-0.9790), TNC viability (r 4 ℃=-0.9941， r 20-24 ℃=-0.9970), CD34+ cells viability (r 4 ℃=-0.9932， r 20-24 ℃=-0.9828) of cord blood stored in cold storage (4 ℃) and room temperature storage (20-24 ℃) showed a consistent downward trend with the prolongation of storage time. The percentage of viable CD34+ cells (r 4 ℃=0.9169， r 20-24 ℃=0.7470) and CFU-GM count (r 4 ℃=-0.2537， r 20-24 ℃=-0.8098) did not show consistent trends. When the storage time was the same, the TNC count, TNC viability, CD34+ cells viability and CFU-GM count of cord blood stored in cold storage were higher than those stored at room temperature. Under the same storage time (24, 36, 48, 60 or 72 h), TNC viability in room temperature storage was significantly lower than that in cold storage (P <0.001), but TNC count, percentage of viable CD34+ cells and CFU-GM count were not significantly different between room temperature storage and cold storage. When stored at room temperature for 24 h and 36 h, the viability of CD34+ cells was significantly lower than that in cold storage (P <0.001, P <0.01), when the storage time for 48, 60 and 72 h, there was no significant difference in the CD34+ cells viability between room temperature storage and cold storage. It is recommended that cord blood be stored in cold storage (4 ℃) from collection to preparation, and processed as soon as possible.

Umbilical blood as a trophic-growth supplement for cultural work

This review analyzes the results of modern high-tech research on the use of umbilical cord blood serum/plasma as an additive to culture media for cell culture growth. Since culture media are a key factor in cell culture, the review addresses the composition and properties of the major culture media used in cell biology and regenerative medicine. The authors pay special attention to growth factors; they describe the functional properties of the main families of these polypeptides (fibroblast growth factors, epidermal growth factors, transforming growth factors, differentiation growth factors, epidermal growth factors, endothelial cell growth factors, hematopoietic growth factors, etc.). It was found that one of the most promising sources of growth factors is cord blood serum/plasma. In this publication, the main technologies for cord blood collection and systematic studies on the content of growth factors, cytokines, exosomes and mRNA in cord blood are presented. Experimental data on the use of umbilical cord blood serum/plasma as an additive to culture media for the growth of various cell cultures of animal origin are described. Human umbilical cord blood serum/plasma is an affordable, safe product with a high content of biologically active molecules compared to animal sources. In order for umbilical cord blood serum/plasma to be widely used as an adjunct to culture media, standards for the manufacture and testing of this product must be developed.

Evaluating offspring Genomic and Epigenomic alterations after prenatal exposure to Cancer treatment In Pregnancy (GE-CIP): a multicentric observational study

IntroductionAround 1 in 1000–2000 pregnancies are affected by a cancer diagnosis. Previous studies have shown that chemotherapy during pregnancy has reassuring cognitive and cardiac neonatal outcomes, and hence has been...

High Population Frequency of GNRHR p.Q106R in Malta: An Evaluation of Fertility and Hormone Profiles in Heterozygotes.

The gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor variant GNRHR p.Q106R (rs104893836) in homozygosity, compound heterozygosity, or single heterozygosity is often reported as the causative variant in idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) patients with GnRH deficiency. Genotyping of a Maltese newborn cord-blood collection yielded a minor allele frequency (MAF) 10 times higher (MAF = 0.029; n = 493) than that of the global population (MAF = 0.003). To determine whether GNRHR p.Q106R in heterozygosity influences profiles of endogenous hormones belonging to the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and the onset of puberty and fertility in adult men (n = 739) and women (n = 239). Analysis of questionnaire data relating to puberty and fertility, genotyping of the GNRHR p.Q106R variant, and hormone profiling of a highly phenotyped Maltese adult cohort from the Maltese Acute Myocardial Infarction Study. Out of 978 adults, 43 GNRHR p.Q106R heterozygotes (26 men and 17 women) were identified. Hormone levels and fertility for all heterozygotes are within normal parameters except for TSH, which was lower in men 50 years or older. Hormone data and baseline fertility characteristics of GNRHR p.Q106R heterozygotes are comparable to those of homozygous wild-type individuals who have no reproductive problems. The heterozygous genotype alone does not impair the levels of investigated gonadotropins and sex steroid hormones or affect fertility. GNRHR p.Q106R heterozygotes who exhibit IHH characteristics must have at least another variant, probably in a different IHH gene, that drives pathogenicity. We also conclude that GNRHR p.Q106R is likely a founder variant due to its overrepresentation and prevalence in the island population of Malta.

Banked term umbilical cord blood to meet the packed red blood cell transfusion needs of extremely-low-gestational-age neonates: a feasibility analysis.

To assess the feasibility of drawing, processing, safety-testing, and banking term umbilical cord blood to meet the packed red blood cell transfusion (RBC Tx) needs of extremely-low-gestational-age neonates (ELGANs). (1) Retrospectively analyze all ELGANs RBC Tx over the past three years, (2) Estimate local cord blood availability, (3) Assess interest in this project, and implementation barriers, through stakeholder surveys. In three years we cared for 266 ELGANs; 165 (62%) received ≥1 RBC Tx. Annual RBC Tx averaged 197 (95% CI, 152-243). If 10% of our 10,353 annual term births had cord blood drawn and processed, and half of those tested were acceptable for Tx, collections would exceed the 95th % upper estimate for need by >four-fold. Interest exceeded 97%. Identified barriers included FDA approval, training to collect cord blood, and cost. RBC Tx needs of ELGANS could be met by local cord blood collection.

Effect of cord blood double collection method on cord blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation-related indices and blood gas analysis.

Umbilical cord blood has been widely used in clinical transplantation. Blood gas analysis of umbilical cord blood is routinely used to evaluate neonatal asphyxia. This study aimed to evaluate an improved umbilical cord blood collection method that does not affect the results of umbilical cord blood gas analysis and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation-related indices. Three hundred pregnant women were recruited between December 2019 and August 2022. In total, 270 umbilical cord blood samples were included and randomly divided into 3 groups. Group A was defined as the group in which both umbilical cord blood samples for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and blood gas analysis were collected. Group B was defined as the group from which umbilical cord blood was collected for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Group C was defined as that wherein umbilical cord blood was collected only for blood gas analysis. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation-related indices were detected in groups A and B, and blood gas analysis was performed in groups A and C. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation-related indices were not significantly different between groups A and B. The pH, base excess, and lactic acid values were not significantly different between groups A and C. The cord blood double collection method would not affect the results of umbilical cord blood gas analysis and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation-related indices. It is suitable for cord blood collection when preparing for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and blood gas analysis.

Cytokine responses to SARS-COV2 infection in mother-infant dyads: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected a significant number of pregnant women worldwide, but studies on immune responses have presented conflicting results. This study aims to systematically review cytokine profiles in pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection and their infants to evaluate immune responses and potential transplacental transfer of cytokines. A comprehensive search of 4 databases was conducted to identify relevant studies. Inclusion criteria included studies measuring individual cytokines in pregnant women and/or their neonates. Studies were evaluated for quality, and data were extracted for analysis. Meta-analyses were performed using the random-effects model. Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria, including data from 748 pregnant women and 287 infants. More than three of these studies evaluated data of 20 cytokines in maternal serum, and data of 10 cytokines was available from cord blood samples. Only the serum level of CXCL10 was significantly up-regulated in SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnant women (n = 339) compared to SARS-CoV-2 negative pregnant women (n = 409). Subset analysis of maternal samples (n = 183) collected during the acute phase of COVID-19 infection showed elevated CXCL10 and IFN-γ. No significant differences in cytokine levels were found between cord blood samples collected from infants born to mothers with (n = 97) and without (n = 190) COVID-19 during gestation. Subset analysis of cord blood samples collected during the acute phase of maternal infection was limited by insufficient data. The heterogeneity among the studies was substantial. The findings suggest that maternal cytokines responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy are not significantly dysregulated, except for CXCL10 and IFN-γ during the acute phase of illness. No evidence of increased cytokine levels in cord blood samples was observed, although this could be impacted by the time period between initial maternal infection and cord blood collection. These results provide some reassurance to parents and healthcare providers but should be interpreted cautiously due to study variations and limitations.

Analysis of the activities of cord blood banks in the Russian Federation

This review aimed to analyze the activities of all state and commercial cord blood banks in the Russian Federation, to estimate the total number of cord blood samples in storage at the beginning of 2023, and to determine the practical use of the biomaterial for treatment allogeneic and autologous transplants for oncohematological diseases, as well as for scientific research in the field of regenerative medicine for the entire period of the banks' operation, which is twenty years.&#x0D; To date, there are 12 cord blood banks providing personal, public or mixed storage of samples. At the moment, up to 26,000 cord blood samples are in public storage, and about 75,000 samples are in personal storage.&#x0D; As part of the review, the main and additional services provided by banks, as well as their current cost, were studied. The average cost of cord blood sample collection in the Russian Federation is 62,500 rubles, and the average annual cost of storage is 6,000 rubles. The main market indicators, trends, key problems of biobanking and prospects for the use of cord blood cells in the Russian Federation in the coming years are considered in detail.&#x0D; Separately, data on the prospects for the use of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells, a widely studied biomaterial, which, like cord blood, can be collected after childbirth and cryopreserved for long-term storage, are briefly presented. Stem cells of the umbilical cord are being actively studied in the field of regenerative medicine due to their properties to restore cartilaginous muscle and bone tissue, stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, and block autoimmune reactions.&#x0D; In addition, the current tasks and results of the activities of Ruscord, an association of specialists and organizations in the field of procurement, storage, use of cord blood cells and cell technologies, which over several years of its activity has already made a significant contribution to the development of the biobanking market, were analyzed. In September 2020, a unified standard for the collection, processing, storage and issuance of cord blood for use was approved the Russian standard RUSCORD.

Abstract 17 Umbilical Cord Blood Collection. How Do Different Factors Affect CD45 Cell Viability in Our Experience?

Abstract Introduction Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is an important source of hematopoietic stem cells for transplantation in some hematological diseases. One of the main factors influencing sample quality and transplantation success, in addition to histocompatibility, is the number of viable CD34+ cells. Over the years, different factors that could directly affect viability have been studied and evaluated. It is important to be able to define favorable ranges for obtaining high viabilities and optimal samples for their use. Objectives The aim of our study is to evaluate the incidence of three factors temperature during transport, volume and time between collection and process of UCB over cellular viability previous to cryopreservation. Methods We analyzed 10483 UCB samples collected between 2018 and 2022. Cell viability values were analyzed in total CD45 using flow cytometry with 7-AAD and Annexin V. We evaluated the relationship between cell viability with the three factors mentioned above. Results We observed a tendency for viability to decrease as the blood volume collected decreases, and as the temperature and elapsed hours increase. In concordance, we found that viability is dependent on the 3 factors analyzed (p &amp;lt;&amp;lt;0.001), observing that its variability can be explained in 4% by the variation of elapsed hours as well as the collection volume, while temperature explains this variation in 1%. Discussion With our samples we can assume that the variations in the ranges analyzed would not affect them to a great extent, since they are not determinant for obtaining an average viability lower than that established as acceptable in our bank (75%). On the other hand, we also conclude that viability cannot be explained from the variation of a single factor, so it would be important to analyze the interactions between them. For the time being, and in order to improve the quality of the samples, we consider it necessary to emphasize the collection of a good volume of blood and the rapid transport of the samples for processing.

Content of selected heavy metals in the umbilical cord blood and anthropometric data of mothers and newborns in Poland: preliminary data

The ability to accumulate metals in organs and tissues leads to disturbances in the physiological functioning of the body, causing oxidative stress. This negatively affects the functioning of the placenta and may result in miscarriages, premature birth and fetal growth disorders. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between the levels of selected heavy metals in umbilical cord blood and anthropometric parameters of mothers and the newborns. Content of elements in umbilical cord blood has been assessed by high-resolution inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The study results were collected and statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics software (PS IMAGO). The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to test for associations between selected variables. Regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of anthropometric parameters of studied women and newborns. The study group consisted of women aged 19–41, whose pregnancy was uncomplicated and were not exposed to heavy metals due to their work or smoking. The following metals were identified in all collected cord blood samples: lead (26.25 ± 9.32 µg/L), zinc (2025.24 ± 717.83 µg/L), copper (749.85 ± 203.86 µg/L), manganese (32.55 ± 13.58 µg/L), chromium (8.34 ± 2.16 µg/L) and selenium (158.46 ± 41.58 µg/L). The conducted statistical analysis indicated the relationship between the copper content in the umbilical cord blood and the weight gain of pregnant women. A significant relationship was observed between newborn head circumference and chromium content. In addition, significant positive correlations were found between the content of zinc and copper, manganese and lead, manganese and selenium, lead and selenium, and lead and chromium in umbilical cord blood. The ratio of zinc to copper concentrations was related to neonatal head circumference. Weight gain in pregnant women is positively correlated with the copper level in umbilical cord blood. There is an association between head circumference at birth and the chromium concentration in umbilical cord blood. Copper and zinc levels in umbilical cord blood are positively correlated with head circumference at birth.

Blood culture collection practices in NICU; A national survey.

Sepsis is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in neonates. Blood cultures are the gold standard in diagnosing neonatal sepsis; however, there are currently no consensus guidelines for blood culture collection in neonates and significant practice variation exists in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) globally. To examine current practices in obtaining blood cultures in the evaluation of neonatal sepsis in NICUs across Canada. A nine-item electronic survey was sent to each of the 29 level-3 NICUs in Canada, which are equipped to provide highly specialized care for newborns. Responses were received from 90% (26/29) of sites. Sixty-five percent (17/26) of sites have blood culture collection guidelines for the investigation of neonatal sepsis. Forty-eight percent (12/25) of sites routinely target 1.0 mL per culture bottle. In late-onset sepsis (LOS), 58% (15/26) of sites process one aerobic culture bottle, whereas four sites routinely add anaerobic culture bottles. In early-onset sepsis (EOS) in very low birth weight infants (BW <1.5 kg), 73% (19/26) of sites use umbilical cord blood, and 72% (18/25) use peripheral venipuncture. Two sites routinely collect cord blood for culture in EOS. Only one site applies the concept of differential time-to-positivity to diagnose central-line-associated bloodstream infection. There is significant practice variation in methods used to obtain blood cultures in level-3 NICUs across Canada. Standardization of blood culture collection practices can provide reliable estimates of the true incidence of neonatal sepsis and help to develop appropriate antimicrobial stewardship strategies.

Effectiveness of Video Assisted Teaching On Knowledge Regarding Umbilical Cord Blood Collection for Stem Cell Therapy Among Women Attending an Antenatal Outpatient Clinic in A Selected Hospital in Puducherry, India - A Prospective Homogeneous Quasi-Experi

Umbilical cord blood was previously considered a waste product. It is now used to treat a variety of diseases. Umbilical cord blood is the blood that remains after childbirth in the placenta and the attached umbilical cord. Cord blood is collected because stem cells found in it can be used to treat hematopoietic and genetic disorders. The study aimed to see how effective video-assisted teaching on cord blood collection for stem cell therapy was among antenatal women. A quasi-experimental (onegroup pretest and post-test) research design was adopted for this study. Sixty antenatal women who were attending antenatal OPD were selected by Purposive sampling. The structured questionnaire collected data to assess the level of knowledge regarding umbilical cord sample collection and stem cell therapy. In addition, structured, validated video-assisted teaching was done by experts in the field. The present study depicts that the pre-test means the level of knowledge of 5.48 with an SD of 2.04 was increased to 19.45 with an SD of 1.45 in the post-test after video-assisted teaching. Video-assisted teaching was found to be highly significant at p &lt;0.001. The study concluded that the investigator-designed Video-assisted education effectively improved umbilical cord blood collection knowledge for stem cell therapy among antenatal women. The significant limitation of the study is that it is not double-blinded, as it involves a specific teaching course.