Cord Blood Drug Test

Is it true that that the umbilical cord can be tested for absolutely any prenatal exposure to drugs, alcohol and tobacco? I know they can test the meconium, and that a screen is being devised for amniotic fluid, but cord blood?

Someone told me this the other day and it just doesn't make sense since the blood in the cord is in constant motion.

Seems like that would be ecpensive

<blockquote><b>Quoting momma melissa85:</b>" Seems like that would be ecpensive"</blockquote>




That. My friends had cord blood taken for storage and it was like $2000 but it seems like a waste of time when they have a cheaper method  

Probably would be.
I've honestly never heard of drug testing the cord blood specifically. It makes sense that it would work in detecting recent exposure, I just don't see how it would work in detecting long term exposure beyond 30-60 days.

I have been wondering this myself! I have been very honest with my OBGYN tho... I think if they do find something and you lie or lie during Pregnancy the can get CPS involved. This is what I had read so far , but would like some more info as well. I had to be Drug tested after getting really sick anyway. I was very honest because this is my un born child, and wish to give him the best most healthy start in life anyhow.  

Quoting Brookelynbaby:" I have been wondering this myself! I have been very honest with my OBGYN tho... I think if they do find ... [snip!] ... I was very honest because this is my un born child, and wish to give him the best most healthy start in life anyhow.  "

I'm honestly not worried about it. My neighbor was the one who told me about it and said it can show if you've used any illicit substance at any point in your pregnancy. If the blood is constantly flowing through the cord, then I don't see it as possible. The only thing I can figure is maybe they test the cord tissue or something?

From my experience, if you test negative and have made your OB aware of the situation little will be done. I was honest with my OB with my forst child about my prenatal drug use and all CPS did was a quick home study to confirm that I was no longer actively abusing opiates.

<blockquote><b>Quoting Bettinas:</b>" <blockquote><b>Quoting momma melissa85:</b>" Seems like that would be ecpensive"</blockquote> ... [snip!] ... had cord blood taken for storage and it was like $2000 but it seems like a waste of time when they have a cheaper method  "</blockquote>

It's the storage that costs...not the drawing of the blood. I doubt it costs anymore than a tox screen on blood taken from the child's body.

If they're going to test babies I'd rather it be as minimally invasive for the newb as possible.

Quoting Piecey.:" <blockquote><b>Quoting Bettinas:</b>" <blockquote><b>Quoting momma melissa85:</b>" ... [snip!] ... taken from the child's body. If they're going to test babies I'd rather it be as minimally invasive for the newb as possible."

That's why they commonly opt for meconium testing. The only pitfall is that the results don't discriminate between recent and past drug use.

<blockquote><b>Quoting Rabbit™:</b>" I'm honestly not worried about it. My neighbor was the one who told me about it and said it can show ... [snip!] ... about my prenatal drug use and all CPS did was a quick home study to confirm that I was no longer actively abusing opiates."</blockquote>




Wow, I told my ob when I was preg with Dean about all of my prior drug use, all they did was test me when I was in labor for any *Drugs of Abuse* they had me sign a paper for it...
Cps scares the crap out of me, lol

If they test you and they baby the usually do it all. Meconium, placenta, and cord blood. I have no idea about tobacco and alcohol though...

Quoting ℳary ℐane:" If they test you and they baby the usually do it all. Meconium, placenta, and cord blood. I have no idea about tobacco and alcohol though..."

Wow, I had no clue. I'd figured a blood serum drug screen would've been performed from the sample taken at the heel stick. I wonder how far back it actually goes then when extracted from the cord. Can drug metabolites be deposited into the walls of the blood vessels?

Over here they test the cord blood to know what blood group the baby is etc, so I don't think that is the expensive part. Its the banking that is.

Was honest and also on meds this is freaking me out. Can my baby be taken away?

This is the cheapest and most effective way of testing for newborn blood type, drug exposure, and conditions of the placenta. After the cord is cut they stick a needle in the red side of the tube (Baby's outgoing blood) in-going has a bluish tint to it. Most mothers don't even realize this is going on at their feet because they are loving on their newly born baby. Its absolutely painless to everyone and is done right before the placenta is delivered. I was warned with my first pregnancy that this is how they test the baby's blood type because of my RH factor and because I have antibodies set up. I don't do drugs so I had no worries about the testing. It's so simple and they need a blood type for medical purposes after the birth. Who would want to cause pain where no pain has to be?

Quoting Brookelynbaby:" Was honest and also on meds this is freaking me out. Can my baby be taken away?"

If you aren't still using, most likely no. If you're on maintenance managment (i.e. methadone, subutex) through a clinic, then they will consult with your doctor/counselor. I really wouldn't stress it if you are no longer using and/or attending a clinic. People will be quick to tell you "oh, CPS is gonna take your kid!!!" but believe it or not, that's not their primary intention. Separating a child from their family is exercised as a last resort and usually reserved for situations where the child is in imminent danger or all other options have been exhausted.