Use Of Bottles Research Articles

Environmental and economic aspects of water kiosks: Case study of a medium-sized Italian town

The consumption of bottled water in Italy began in the 1970s. Since then, this usage has grown considerably, also as a result of changes in habits. The environmental impact as a result of the water production chain is very significant; it would be considered, for example, the use of plastic bottles, the consumption of oil in the production of the bottles, the emission of air from the vehicles that transport the bottles, non-recycled plastic packaging, etc.In this study, considering the comparison between two situations, use of bottled water and use of water kiosk (WK), an environmental and economic impact evaluation has been done. The study considered the production of a WK in a town with 9000 inhabitants, which supplies controlled, still and sparkling water, with an organoleptic quality higher than tap water coming from the aqueduct. In particular, taking into consideration the environmental aspects, specific attention was paid both to CO2 emissions and PET bottle waste reduction. The economic impact evaluation was carried out from the consumer’s point of view. In order to provide a supply service that was economically sustainable, a calculation was done with the aim of determining a specific fee for the supplied water. Moreover, a comparison has been made between quality parameters achieved with the analysis of water from aqueducts with the limits established in the Italian legislation and the parameters of several Italian water brands.The study has the aim at considering the opportunity to follow a different people’s habits, closer to the concept of sustainability, reducing the environmental charge related to the realization, transport and consumption of plastic water bottles without significant reduction of the quality of the service and with convenient and interesting economic implications. In fact the results of the study show that the alternative of WKs is more efficient in economic and environmental terms respect to the use of bottled water.

The Economics of Polypharmacology: Fixed Dose Combinations and Drug Cocktails

The history of Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) oral drug products has been tumultuous over its history. Some FDCs were prepared for marketing purposes and others for clinical improvements. Often, the products prepared for marketing advantage ended up causing negative outcomes. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of FDCs as clinicians have found them adventitious for treatment of AIDS/HIV and for oral contraceptives, just to name two examples. International regulatory Agencies and most major drug regulatory agencies have established guidelines along with regulations concerning preparation, labeling and marketing for FDCs. The advantages of FDCs are said to be in the clinical realm where simplified therapy regimens are thought to enhance patient's medication taking compliance. On the financial side, health insurers and other payers normally save money from a decreased number of dispensing fees, the use of fewer bottles, labels, etc., and from the possible situation where the price of the FDC is less than the medication price of the two separate ingredients dispensed individually. Overall, there is a great deal of evidence in favor of appropriate FDCs.

Ocular injuries caused by metal caps of carbonated mineral water bottles

Bottles containing carbonated drinks are potentially hazardous to the eye. In this study, we aimed to document the clinical characteristics and visual outcomes in a series of patients with ocular injury from flying metal caps of carbonated mineral water bottles. Retrospective review of ocular injuries due to metal caps of carbonated mineral water bottles. Sixteen eyes of sixteen patients were included in the study. All of the patients were male, with a mean age of 24 years. Ten of the patients had a history of using improper tools for bottle cap removal. The left eye was involved in twelve cases and the right eye in four cases. All patients had contusion-type closed-globe injury. Varying degrees of hyphema were observed in all patients, and vitreous hemorrhage was present in four. The visual acuity at the last follow-up was 20/20 in 15 of the patients. The use of a bottle cap opener is essential for preventing ocular damage from pressed metal caps of carbonated drinks. In addition to popularising the use of screw cap bottles, warning labels that alert consumers about the possibility of eye injury should be placed on carbonated drinks with pressed metal caps.

Mucocele in Lower Lip as a Result of Improper Use of Feeding Bottle: A Case Report

A rare case of mucocele associated with improper feeding habit has been presented. An eight-month old male child presented with swelling in lower lip which was noticed by his mother a week earlier. A thorough clinical examination and history taking gave a diagnosis of mucocele resulting from improper use of feeding bottle. This case highlights and discusses the history, the clinical along with histologic features, and the clinical management of this lesion. Awareness of such an entity and the functional problems associated with the lesion will help the pediatric dentist to prevent any further complications.

Guidelines on the management of anaemia and red cell transfusion in adult critically ill patients.

Forward This document aims to summarize the current literature guiding the use of red cell transfusion in critically ill patients and provides recommendations to support clinicians in their day-to-day practice. Critically ill patients differ in their age, diagnosis, co-morbidities, and severity of illness. These factors influence their tolerance of anaemia and alter the risk to benefit ratio of transfusion. The optimal management for an individual may not fall clearly within our recommendations and each decision requires a synthesis of the available evidence and the clinical judgment of the treating physician. This guideline relates to the use of red cells to manage anaemia during critical illness when major haemorrhage is not present. A previous British Committee for Standards in Haematology (BCSH) guideline has been published on massive haemorrhage (Stainsby et al, 2006), but this is a rapidly changing field. We recommend readers consult recent guidelines specifically addressing the management of major haemorrhage for evidence-based guidance. A subsequent BCSH guideline will specifically cover the use of plasma components in critically ill patients.

Pet-saúde na identificação do conhecimento de gestantes sobre aleitamento materno

The objective was to identify the knowledge about breastfeeding of 20 pregnant women in prenatal care in primary health care at Uberaba, Minas Gerais. It was a cross-sectional descriptive study developed in July 2011 through structured interviews, which analysis was based on descriptive statistics. Issues related to the recommendations widespread in the media and health services, as the ideal time to first feeding, the recommended duration of exclusive breastfeeding and use of artificial pacifiers and bottles had more hits than errors. Issues related to the management of breastfeeding as the feeding duration, interval between feedings and the maintenance and increasing of milk production had more errors than hits. Most women could not answer questions relating to the management of complications and problems like breast engorgement and nipple fissures, which also showed no incorrect answers. This situation reflects the lack of ability of health professionals to promote breastfeeding. In this context the work of Programa de Educacao pelo Trabalho para a Saude - PET-Saude is highlighted.

Smelling Shapes: Crossmodal Correspondences Between Odors and Shapes

Crossmodal correspondences between odors and visual stimuli-particularly colors-are well-established in the literature, but there is a paucity of research involving visual shape correspondences. Crossmodal associations between 20 odors (a selection of those commonly found in wine) and visual shape stimuli ("kiki"/"bouba" forms-Köhler W. 1929. Gestalt psychology. New York: Liveright.) were investigated in a sample of 25 participants (mean age of 21 years). The odors were rated along a form scale anchored by 2 shapes, as well as several descriptive adjective scales. Two of the odors were found to be significantly associated with an angular shape (lemon and pepper) and two others with a rounded shape (raspberry and vanilla). Principal component analysis indicated that the hedonic value and intensity of odors are important in this crossmodal association, with more unpleasant and intense smells associated with more angular forms. These results are discussed in terms of their practical applications, such as in the use of bottle, logo, or label shape by marketers of perfume and wine to convey the prominent notes through congruent odor-shape pairing. In conclusion, these results support the existence of widespread crossmodal associations (or correspondences) between odors and visual shape stimuli.

Determinants of successful breastfeeding initiation in healthy term singletons: a Swiss university hospital observational study

Breastfeeding significantly benefits mothers and infants. We aimed to identify the determinants of its successful initiation. A retrospective study of 1893 mothers delivering healthy term singletons at a Swiss university hospital from 1/2008 to 3/2009 determined the associations between multiple breastfeeding and early postpartum parameters by univariate and multiple regression analysis. Multiparity was associated with nursing exclusively at the breast at discharge (P<0.001), less use of maltodextrin supplement (P<0.05), bottle/cup (both P<0.001), but more pacifier use (P<0.05). Among obese mothers, nursing exclusively at the breast at discharge was less frequent, and use of all feeding aids more frequent, than among normal-weight women (both P<0.001). Neuraxial anesthesia was associated with use of maltodextrin and bottle (both P<0.05) compared to no anesthesia. Delayed first skin-to-skin contact and rooming-in for <24 h/day were each associated with maltodextrin and cup (P<0.05). Nursing exclusively at the breast at discharge was less frequent (P<0.001), and bottle use more frequent (P<0.05), in women with sore nipples than in those without. Obesity is a potent inhibitor of breastfeeding initiation. Delivery without anesthesia by a multiparous normal-weight mother, followed by immediate skin-to-skin contact, rooming-in for 24 h/day, and dedicated nipple care, provides the best conditions for successful early postpartum breastfeeding without the need for feeding aids or nutritional supplements

Frühkindliche Karies und assoziierte Risikofaktoren bei Kleinkindern im Land Brandenburg

The objective of this study was to determine the caries experience in a representative sample of infants aged 13-36 months in the federal state of Brandenburg in relation to their parents' health behavior and social status. Calibrated public health service dentists examined 661 children in ten districts according to WHO standards (1997). Data on the parents' health behavior and their social status were acquired via questionnaire. The prevalence of caries was 7.4% on enamel-level (d1-4) and 5.3% on dentin-level (d3-4). The caries experience was 0.3 d1-4mft/0.2 d3-4mft. Fifty-two percent of the total caries burden was concentrated on 2% of the children. The restorative index was 19.9% and the care index 10%, respectively. Children of 25-36 months of age and with a lower social status and those who were bottle-fed at night revealed a significantly higher caries risk (OR 3.84, p = 0.005; OR 7.34, p < 0.0001; OR 2.4, p = 0.022) compared to younger children, children with a higher social status, or those without nocturnal bottle use. Intersectoral prevention programs in day-care centers are the favored preventive approach to compensate the socially determined health inequality. The low care index needs to be communicated with the dental association to improve the accessibility of infants in dental practice.

Suitability of Broken Bottles as Fine Aggregate for Production of Concrete

The use of broken bottles as partial replacement of river sand for production of concrete was investigated. The grading of the broken bottles and sand fell in zone II. The specific gravity of the bottles was 2.55 and that of sand was 2.65. Sand was replaced with the broken bottles in the proportions of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% by weight. The mix of 1:2:4 by weight and watercement ratio of 0.45 were used. Cubes of side 150mm were cast for each proportion, cured by complete immersion in water and tested for density and strength at the ages of 7, 14 and 28 days. The average compressive strength of the cubes was found to increase with curing age but decrease with increase in the proportion of broken bottles in the mix. The proportion of broken bottles to give a minimum strength of 20N/mm2 was 30% at 7 and 14 days, and 40% at 28days. The maximum mean compressive strength of 19.0N/mm2 was obtained at 28days when sand and broken bottles were used in equal proportions. Density did not appear to have a discernible trend. For structural concrete, the proportion of broken bottles should be limited to 30% for early strength concrete and 40% when early strength is not required. For non-structural concrete, proportion greater than 40% can be used.

An observational study to evaluate the efficiency and safety of ioversol pre-filled syringes compared with ioversol bottles in contrast-enhanced examinations

The use of pre-filled syringes for contrast media (CM) administration allows efficient and optimized workflow during radiologic diagnostic procedures, and reduces the risk of contamination, providing benefits for both patients and healthcare workers. To compare the efficiency and safety of ioversol (Optiray(TM)) bottles and pre-filled syringes in clinical practice. This was an observational, non-interventional, prospective, multicenter study conducted at 72 centers in Germany. Patients undergoing contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) examinations with ioversol were enrolled. The use of ioversol bottles and pre-filled syringes in the diagnostic procedure was recorded in terms of efficiency (residual volume, re-use of CM) and safety (adverse events [AEs]). A total of 10,836 patients were enrolled and included in this study. Ioversol bottles and syringes were used in 72% and 28% of cases, respectively. Analysis of the volume of CM in bottles before and after examinations, together with the volume used during the examination, suggested that in 22.5% of cases a new bottle was connected during the procedure. Further analysis revealed that in 80.2% of cases, the remaining volume of CM in the bottles could potentially be used for subsequent investigations, compared with <1% of cases for pre-filled syringes. For the total study population, AEs and serious AEs were reported in 30 (0.28%) and four (0.037%) patients, respectively, with no significant difference observed between ioversol bottles and syringes. Administration of ioversol for contrast-enhanced CT examinations is associated with a low incidence of AEs and is generally safe and well tolerated. Ioversol pre-filled syringes were associated with lower residual volumes and less potential re-use compared with bottles.

Perioral movements and sucking pattern during bottle feeding with a novel, experimental teat are similar to breastfeeding

To measure intraoral pressure and perioral movement in infants during breastfeeding (BF) and feeding with experimental teat (ET). The teat has a wide base, firm shaft and a valve at the base, such that milk flows only when the baby provides a hold pressure. Twenty healthy term infants, between 1 and 8 months old, were enrolled in the study. Feeding sessions (BF and ET) were recorded using a digital video camera. During both BF and ET feeding sessions, recordings during feeding were taken of jaw and throat movements (n=20) as well as intraoral pressure (n=18). The efficiency of milk transfer and the angle of the mouth were also measured. There was no significant difference in either the jaw or throat movements between BF and ET. The sucking burst pattern, the efficiency (ml min(-1)), and the angle of the mouth did not differ between both feeding methods. The intraoral negative pressure observed during ET was significantly smaller than that observed during BF. There were no significant differences in perioral movements. Although the value was smaller, a hold pressure was observed during ET. From these results, the novel, ET may decrease BF problems related to bottle use.

Microbial Contaminants in Irrigation Devices

Objective: Irrigation devices used by patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis become contaminated after use. The purpose of this study was to see whether such devices can also become contaminated when used by patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). Method: Ten AR patients with no clinical or endoscopic evidence of active sinonasal infection were given a sinus irrigation system and instructed on its proper use, cleaning, and storage. Bottles were analyzed at 4 weeks and 8 weeks for microbial growth. Results: Irrigation devices (14/20) from all individuals in this study grew bacteria commonly in the nozzles. Twenty-five bacterial isolates consisting of 14 different species were cultured and identified with most common organisms being bacilli and staphylococcus. No fungal organisms were cultured using the above techniques. In addition no correlation was apparent between the length of bottle use and the degree of contamination. During the study period, no patient developed acute sinus infections. Conclusion: Bacterial contamination of the irrigation system occurs commonly, even in uninfected AR patients; however, no evidence exists linking this to sinus cross-infection.

Bacterial contamination, screening and follow up: clinical aspects

Bacterial contamination remains an important infectious complication of blood transfusion, with potentially fatal outcome. Platelets are at greatest risk, especially due to their current storage requirements. Many measures have been implemented to reduce risks, including routine screening of platelet components prior to release in some countries. Experience from screening programs is now accumulating in the peer‐reviewed literature and reports from haemovigilance programs. However, methodological differences in pre‐release platelet screening can make interpretation and comparison of published data difficult. These differences include product type and shelf‐life; volume, method and timing of sampling/inoculation; use of aerobic bottles alone or with anaerobic bottles; type of test system in use; duration of culture; definition of confirmed positives; and processes for management of results and communication to clinicians and patients.Important clinical questions remain regarding notification of platelet screening results to hospital laboratories, treating clinical staff and patients, and subsequent management. Contexts and logistics are different in different countries, and no single approach will suit all settings, but these practicalities will influence the reported outcomes. For example, findings will be affected by whether notification is made at the stage of an “initial machine positive” result or only once confirmed, and whether follow up of patients is active or passive. Transfusing laboratories often have limited information on which to base decisions about patients at particular risk, and many platelets are transfused to outpatients, meaning that patients are not in the hospital when screening results become available.This presentation will explore a number of important questions. For example, should treating clinicians always be notified about initial machine positive results? Should all patients be contacted to be assessed for evidence of sepsis? If so, at what stage, and what clinical assessments and/or investigations should be performed? Which, if any, patients should receive prophylactic antibiotics, and when? What are the implications for informed consent regarding transfusion? What procedures do blood services and hospitals need to have in place for notification of clinicians and patients regarding platelets and any associated components? What are the resource implications? How should events be reviewed within hospitals, and what information should be reported to haemovigilance programs?

Bliss (review)

Reviewed by: Bliss Jeannette Hulick Littlewood, Kathryn . Bliss. Tegen/HarperCollins, 2012. [384p]. Trade ed. ISBN 978-0-06-208423-1 $16.99 E-book ed. ISBN 978-0-06-208425-5 $9.99 Reviewed from galleys R Gr. 4-6. Twelve-year-old Rosemary (Rose) Bliss knows her parents, proprietors of the Follow Your Bliss Bakery are not ordinary bakers; she has, after all, seen her mother bottle lightning and use it in a cake that miraculously heals a comatose boy. When Rose's parents leave her and her three siblings for a week, a gorgeous woman claiming to be their aunt Lily arrives and proceeds to win over Rose's three siblings with her beauty and charm, and Rose herself with her appreciation of Rose's baking talent, a skill that has paled beside her siblings' more noticeable talents. When Rose and her brothers begin experimenting with the family's magic Cookery Booke, the results are disastrous. Can they keep the bakery running and put their mistakes to rights before their parents return (or before Lily steals the cookbook)? This sweet (but never syrupy) story has surprising substance and broad appeal: fans of food-centered novels such as Weeks' Pie (BCCB 12/11), lovers of domestic magic such as Van Cleve's Drizzle (BCCB 5/10), and kids who have felt invisible and underappreciated will all find this a treat. A humorous tone ("Two things were clear to Rose: 1. Lindsey Borzini wanted her brother's autograph; and 2. Lindsey Borzini was under the influence of magical baked goods"), clear, thoughtful writing (Rose's feelings of inadequacy are spot-on for her age), and a brisk pace will also ensure that this one is gobbled up quickly. Copyright © 2012 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois

Cup introduction, drink type and vitamin supplementation in preterm babies at 11–25 months

To avoid adverse effects of prolonged bottle use, the recommendations are that full-term babies are introduced to cups from 6 months and discouraged bottles from 12 months old. There are no recommendations for preterm babies. In the UK, the Department of Heath recommends the introduction of vitamin supplements, alongside the transition from formula to cow's milk. The present study aimed to determine age of cup introduction in a group of preterm babies, identify drinks offered from bottles versus cups and the types of cups used, and establish the prevalence and appropriateness of vitamin supplementation. A validated postal questionnaire was sent to the parents of 369 babies born <34 weeks of gestation at Queen Charlottes Neonatal Unit; 104 sent in 2003 and 265 sent in 2004-2005. The questionnaire was sent when the babies were calculated to be between 12 and 18 months (all ages stated are uncorrected). A separate questionnaire was sent for each baby from multiple pregnancies. The questionnaire return rate was 46% (n = 169). Length of gestation (P < 0.001), hospital stay (P = 0.009), birth weight (P = 0.002) and maternal age (P < 0.001) were significantly greater and more mothers were of European origin (P = 0.036) for those babies for whom questionnaires were returned compared to nonresponders. Infant gender did not differ. Fifty-seven percent had been introduced to a cup before 12 months, distribution was: 58% (n = 53) of singletons, 54% (n = 37) of twins and 67% (n = 6) of triplets. This rose to 80% before 13 months. Thirteen percent (n = 22) had not started drinking from a cup and 17% (n = 29) only used cups at the time of the questionnaire. Cow's milk had been introduced to 69% (n = 117) of all babies and 32% (n = 54) were still on formula (10 on both and eight were on neither; hence, the figures do not sum to 100%). Cow's milk was drunk from bottles by 56% (n = 95) and formula by 31% (n = 52). A significantly greater proportion of twins and triplets were drinking cow's milk compared to singletons [80% (n = 62) versus 60% (n = 55) P = 0.005] and significantly fewer were drinking formula [22% (n = 17) versus 40% (n = 37) P = 0.012]. Water was the drink most commonly given from a cup (80%) (n = 135) followed by juice, which was given to 64% (n = 108). Juice drinks were given by bottle in 16% (n = 27). Fifty-two percent (n = 88) used a 'spill-proof' cup some of the time. Vitamins were given as recommended in 18% (n = 31), given even though not recommended in 12% (n = 20), not given but recommended in 49% (n = 83) and appropriately not given in 21% (n = 35). A greater percentage of twins and triplets, compared to singletons, were not commenced on vitamins, even though they were no longer drinking formula. The present study reports baseline data on cup introduction in preterm babies both from singleton and multiple births. The data suggest that education about appropriate bottle drinks, timing of cup introduction, suitable cups and the correct use of vitamin drops is required. However, because the profile of responders differed from nonresponders, these results may not be applicable to all preterm babies.

Batch Equilibrium and Kinetic Studies of Simultaneous Adsorption and Biodegradation of Phenol by Pineapple Peels Immobilized Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCIB 950

This study was aimed to investigate the use of pineapple as a cheap, eco-friendly adsorbent and support matrix for the immobilization of microbial cell and for subsequent removal of phenol from waste water. The effects of initial phenol concentration, pH and adsorbent particle size on the simultaneous adsorption-biodegradation (SAB) of phenol were studied. The batch simultaneous adsorption and biodegradation (SAB) of phenol in simulated phenol waste water by pineapple peels immobilized Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCIB 950 has been studied with the use of glass bottles as bioreactors placed in a rotary mechanical shaker for 72 h. The results of the batch equilibrium adsorption-biodegradation studies showed that adsorption-biodegradation capacity decreased with increase in particle size. The equilibrium adsorption-biodegradation data were analyzed by the Langmuir, Freundlich and Redlich-Peterson models of adsorption. The results showed that the equilibrium data for phenol degradation sorbent systems were well fitted to the three adsorption models with Langmuir and Redlich-Peterson adsorption isotherms having the best fit. The adsorption-biodegradation kinetic data obtained at different initial phenol concentrations and pH showed that the adsorption-biodegradation capacity of the pineapple peels immobilized P. aeruginosa generally increased with increase in initial phenol concentration and pH. The kinetic data were analyzed using Lagergren pseudo-first order, pseudo second-order, Elovich and intraparticle diffusion rate equations. The rate equations fitting showed that the adsorption-biodegradation kinetic data generally fitted the four rate equations tested from which the rate constants and diffusion rate constants were estimated. However, the Lagergren pseudo first-order rate equation gave the best fit and, thus the process followed first-order rate kinetics. Therefore, pineapple peels being an Research Article

PET bottle use patterns and antimony migration into bottled water and soft drinks: the case of British and Nigerian bottles

While antimony has been reported to migrate from PET bottles into contents, reports on bottled water and soft drinks usage and PET bottle reuse patterns are currently unavailable in the literature. Bottle use conditions and patterns are important determinants of antimony migration. In this work a survey assessing the pattern of bottle use and reuse in Britain and Nigeria was undertaken. The survey findings influenced the design of laboratory experiments that assessed the migration of antimony from PET bottles into water and soft drinks. Typical storage durations for bottled contents between purchase and opening for use were 7 days or less. However storage of up to one year was reported. Bottle reuse was high and similar for the two countries with reuse durations being higher in Nigeria. The antimony concentration in 32 PET bottle materials from Britain and Nigeria were similar and ranged between 177 and 310 mg kg(-1). For 47 freshly purchased British bottled contents antimony concentration ranged between 0.03 and 6.61 μg L(-1) with only one sample exceeding the EU acceptable limit. Concentrations of Cd, Ge, Zn, Al, Be, Ti, Co and Pb were also measured. At realistic temperatures of 40 and 60 °C antimony concentration in deionised water in bottles remained below the EU acceptable limit even after 48 h exposure. The limit was exceeded for most exposures at 80 °C. Concentration of antimony in some bottled contents exceeded the EU limit after 11 months of storage at room temperature. Bottle aging and increase in bottle volume were associated with decreased migration of antimony from bottles.

Feeding Bottles Usage and the Prevalence of Childhood Allergy and Asthma

This study aimed to examine the association between the length of use of feeding bottles or pacifiers during childhood and the prevalence of respiratory and allergic morbidities. A large-scale questionnaire survey was performed in day care centers and kindergartens (with children's ages ranging from 2 to 7 years) in southern Taiwan, and a total of 14,862 questionnaires completed by parents were finally recruited for data analysis. Effects of using feeding bottles on children's wheezing/asthma (adjusted OR: 1.05, 95% CI 1.00–1.09), allergic rhinitis (adjusted OR: 1.04, 95% CI 1.00–1.08), and eczema (adjusted OR: 1.07, 95% CI 1.01–1.2) were found. Moreover, significant dose-dependent relationships were further established after an adjustment for confounders was performed that included children's ages, gender, gestational age, birth weight, length of breastfeeding, the age when first given infant formula or complementary foods, family history, parental educational levels, and smoking status, as well as the problem of indoor water damage. This study was the first to reveal the potential risk of using plastic consumer products such as feeding bottles on the reported health status of preschool children in Asian countries.

Factors affecting microbial contamination rate of cord blood collected for transplantation

Collection and processing of cord blood (CB) is associated with significant risk of microbial contamination and hence relevant standards mandate microbial screening of the final product. This study aimed to determine the contamination rate and associated risk factors during 14 years of banking at the Sydney Cord Blood Bank. CB was collected and processed using a closed system and tested for contamination using blood culture bottles (BacT/ALERT, bioMérieux) incubated for a minimum of 5 days. Four microbial screening methods were used with different combinations of inoculated bottles (adult or pediatric) and associated sample volumes (10 or 1 mL). Of 13,344 CB units screened, 537 (4.0%) tested positive for contamination, with Bacteroides spp. (20.9%), Staphylococcus spp. (18.6%), and Propionibacterium spp. (13.7%) being the most common isolates. The contamination rate reduced from 10% in 1997 to 1.1% in 2009. Multivariate analysis demonstrated the following variables were independently associated with higher contamination rates: vaginal delivery, collection by obstetric staff, and use of an anaerobic bottle in addition to an aerobic bottle (which facilitated a larger sample inoculation volume than pediatric bottles). This study demonstrates that contamination rates of CB collected for transplantation can be substantially reduced by collection after cesarean delivery and utilizing trained CB collection staff. These data also indicate that the common practice of testing using a pediatric (aerobic) bottle with its attendant small volume of the final CB product may be suboptimal for sensitive detection of contaminating anaerobic microbes.