At Birth5 min read
Cord Blood Collection at Birth: What to Expect on Delivery Day
Delivery day brings a lot of unknowns. Cord blood collection shouldn't be one of them. Here's what to expect, start to finish.
Before you head to the hospital
- Pack the collection kit in your hospital bag — don't leave it in the car.
- Bring the bank's 24/7 hotline number in case staff have questions.
- Confirm enrollment is complete and consent forms are signed.
At admission
Tell your nurse you've brought a cord blood collection kit. They'll typically flag it on your chart so the delivery team knows.
During delivery
Cord blood collection happens after birth, once the cord is clamped and cut. You'll be focused on your baby — the team handles the kit in the background.
After delivery
The kit gets sealed and the courier is called. Most banks coordinate pickup directly with the hospital. You'll typically get a confirmation when the sample arrives at the lab.