• C M Khodabux, J M van Beckhoven, J G M Scharenberg, F El Barjiji, M C Slot, and A Brand.
• Department of Research and Development, Sanquin Blood Bank, Plesmanlaan 1a, Leiden, the Netherlands. c.khodabux@sanquin.nl
• Vox Sang. 2011 May 1; 100 (4): 367-73.

Background And ObjectivesThe use of umbilical cord blood (UCB) for transfusion purposes has gained interest the past years. UCB transfusion could serve premature infants, who often need transfusions early in life.Material And MethodsWe investigated the suitability of different storage media. UCB was collected after 25 0/7--35 6/7 gestational weeks and centrifuged to concentrate red cells subsequently stored in saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol (SAGM), or in additive solution-3 (AS-3), or stored as whole blood in citrate-phosphate-dextrose-adenine-1. Quality parameters were measured at 7 day intervals during 35 days and compared to the standard RBC product.ResultsWhite-blood-cell- and platelet counts were higher in the UCB products. In the fractionated units, haemolysis remained below 1·0% in 64% after 14 days, and in 30% after 21 days. Storage in SAGM or AS-3 showed similar quality. Whole blood UCB showed better pH and haemolysis rates after 21 days.ConclusionUCB can be processed into autologous products for premature infants. Shelf-life is limited to 14-21 days and compares unfavourably to stored whole blood. Considering the early transfusion needs in these infants, a short shelf-life would not be a practical objection.© 2010 The Author(s). Vox Sanguinis © 2010 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

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