STEP 1: After the baby is delivered and before the placenta is expelled, disinfect the umbilical cord at the needle insertion site (usually above the cord clamp) with povidone–iodine solution.

STEP 2: Open the needle cap by twisting and pulling at the same time. Insert the needle into the umbilical vein at the disinfected site and hold it in place.

STEP 3: Place the blood bag lower than the patient so that, by gravity, as much blood as possible flows into the bag. If the vein collapses, insert the needle at another site after disinfecting with povidone–iodine. Gently shake the blood bag up and down for 3–5 minutes to mix the blood with CPD anticoagulant. Avoid clot formation throughout the collection process. The blood collection takes about 3–5 minutes.

STEP 4: If the collected volume is too small, continue collecting after the placenta is delivered to maximize the volume. The minimum required volume is 12–20 mL. When collection is complete, the blood bag must be at least one-third full. Drain all blood in the tubing into the bag.

STEP 5: Withdraw the needle from the umbilical vein. Slide the needle safety device until it completely covers the needle tip and locks in place.

STEP 6: Record all relevant information on the pre-printed personal barcode label and attach it to the blood bag. In the case of twins, clearly distinguish Baby A and Baby B. Keep the blood bag at room temperature and hand it over to FSCB staff.