Abstract

In this study, placental blood samples were collected to determine volume, sterility and clot formation and, to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of placental blood for autologous transfusion was evaluated. For this purpose, sixty placental blood samples were collected from the umbilical vein into the standart blood bags anticoagulated with CPD (citrate-phosphate-dextrose). Placental blood volume was correlated with the gestational age and birthweight (p<0.01). However, birthweigth was inversely correlated with blood volume per kg of body weight (p<0.01). Volume of collected blood was found to be adequate for multiple transfusions in preterm babies. Bacterial contamination was detected in 5 percent of the samples, and clot formation in 3 percent of them. Ninety two percent of the samples were found to be suitable for autologous blood transfusion.