Current thawing and infusion practice of cryopreserved cord blood: the impact on graft quality, recipient safety, and transplantation outcomes.

Methods of handling, thawing, and infusion of cord blood (CB) products vary substantially among thaw/transplant centers (TCs). This review 1) compares currently available CB product types and thaw methods recommended by CB banks (CBBs), 2) discusses causes of inconsistency in thaw method application at TCs, 3) advises elements to consider in thaw method approval or selection at the TC, 4) provides a procedural template for the traditional thaw methods, and 5) suggests acceptable time from product thaw to infusion and other considerations for safe infusion. It also compares postinfusion adverse reaction and engraftment data as functions of thaw methods.