Our cord blood screen procedure, which was in place when I took over as senior tech in blood bank, has always stated to make a 3-5% washed cell suspension to do the ABO/Rh type and then wash cell suspension an additional 8 times before adding reagents for direct coombs and a control. I think this is over kill, since washing it 4 times, then adding reagents results in a negative control. (If the control were positive, then additional washes would be necessary). Our cord bloods are collected by nursing with a needle and syringe and placed into an EDTA purple top tube. The technical manual also states that collecting with a needle and syringe avoids contamination with Wharton's jelly and the need for additional washings. I know the reason behind the "8 washes" was to wash away the Wharton's jelly, but with EDTA tubes, I've not seen any interfering substances. Plus, I cannot find a reference to wash it 8 times, just the tech manual now stating that additional washes are not needed if collected with needle and syringe. So, with all that being said, what does everyone else do? I'd love to change it make a 3-5% cell suspension (no washing needed to do the ABO/Rh type) and then wash the cell suspension 4 times and then add the reagents for the direct coombs and the control. Thanks Natalie