Utilization of Umbilical Cord Blood for the Evaluation of Group B Streptococcal Sepsis Screening

Objective. To evaluate reliability of umbilical cord blood (UCB) for complete blood count (CBC) and blood cultures compared with the infant’s blood from peripheral site for group B streptococcal (GBS) sepsis screening. Methods. A total of 200 neonates, at risk for GBS infection, were studied prospectively. After birth, UCB sample was obtained for CBC and blood cultures from umbilical vein. Peripheral arterial/venous blood was obtained from the neonate. Results. In 200 neonates, CBC counts were similar for clinical significance except for leukopenia (6% in UCB vs 1.2% in peripheral blood, P = .02). One UCB sample grew GBS and another grew microaerophilic streptococcus, a contaminant. A neonatal sample grew Escherichia coli, a pathogen and another neonatal sample grew Staphylococcus auricularis, a contaminant. Conclusion. CBC results were similar from UCB and the infant for the purpose of GBS screening. Contamination of UCB sample for culture is uncommon. Hence, UCB may be used for GBS sepsis screen.