Invited Commentary on: Williams, et al.: Storage of Placental Blood – A Feasibility Study for Development of a Fetal Blood Bank

Abstract

The use of cord blood for hematologic disorders is well established, however the concept of utilizing such samples for allogenic blood transfusions in neonates is relatively new. Williams et al. demonstrate the feasibility of establishing a fetal blood bank with detailed protocols for collecting and storing umbilical cord blood. A highlight of their study is the conservation of the proportion of fetal hemoglobin, potentially reducing the risks involved with adult hemoglobin transfusions.