Korean J Blood Transfus.  2008 Apr;19(1):9-14.

Analysis of Mycoplasma Contamination in Donated Cord Blood Units

• Roh EY
• Yoon JH
• Chang JY
• Hwang KR
• Song EY
• Shin S

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma spp. occasionally colonize the genital tract and these organisms are some of the most important contaminants in cell culture laboratories and cell banks. We analyzed the Mycoplasma contamination rates in the donated cord blood units (CBUs) before cell processing.
METHODS
A total of 151 CBUs that were donated with informed consent (November 3rd~December 28th, 2006) were randomly selected and enrolled in the study. We performed blood culture and Mycoplasma DNA PCR assay with using samples from the collection bags before processing.
RESULTS
All of the CBUs were obtained from full-term (gestational age 37~42 weeks) deliveries. Two units showed positive results on blood culture however, Mycoplasma DNA is not found in the tested samples.
CONCLUSION
The contamination rates of Mycoplasma in the CBUs, which are donated from the mothers who have full-term delivery and no pregnancy complications, are extremely low. The donated CBUs could be used in culture and for an expansion process without concern of incurring pre-processing Mycoplasma contamination. The rate of Mollicute contamination in the CBUs could become clear with the results of performing Ureaplasma assay.

Keyword

Cord blood; Mycoplasma; Contamination

MeSH Terms

Cell Culture Techniques
Colon
DNA
Fetal Blood
Humans
Informed Consent
Mothers
Mycoplasma
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Pregnancy Complications
Ureaplasma
DNA