What is cord blood testing used for?Cord blood testing may be used to:Measure blood gases. This helps to see if a baby's blood has a healthy level of oxygen and other substances.Measure bilirubin levels. Bilirubin is a waste product made by the liver. High bilirubin levels can be a sign of a liver disease.Perform a blood culture. This test may be done if a provider thinks a baby has an infection.Measure different parts of the blood with a complete blood count. This is done more often on premature babies.Check for signs of a baby's exposure to illegal or misused prescription drugs a mother may have taken during pregnancy. Umbilical cord blood can show signs of a variety of drugs, including opiates; such as heroin and fentanyl; cocaine; marijuana; and sedatives. If any of these drugs are found in cord blood, a health care provider can take steps to treat the baby and help avoid complications such as developmental delays.
