Umbilical Cord Blood Culture is Reliable for the Diagnosis and Management of Infants at Risk for Early-Onset Sepsis

Abstract

Objective

This study aims to compare the diagnostic utility of umbilical cord blood culture (UCBC) versus neonatal blood culture (NBC) in the evaluation and management of early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) in late preterm and term infants and determine the contamination rate of UCBC.

Study Design

A retrospective analysis was conducted on late preterm and term neonates born between December 2020 and January 2025, who underwent EONS evaluation with UCBCs and NBCs. The study assessed detection rates of true-positive cultures, contamination rates (false positives), and incidence of culture-negative sepsis.

Results

A total of 336 infants had UCBCs performed, with 223 undergoing concomitant NBCs. Positive culture rates were similar: Four UCBCs (1.2%) and three NBCs (1.3%) were positive. UCBC had two contaminants (0.6%) while NBC had one (0.45%). One infant had both cultures positive for Escherichia coli. No infants required prolonged antibiotics for culture-negative sepsis.

Conclusion

The contamination rate of UCBC was extremely low in the cohort of infants at high risk for EONS. Our protocol and collection technique may serve as a model for others aiming to reduce contamination rates. While NBC can be positive despite a negative UCBC, and vice versa, obtaining both UCBC and NBC can improve the sensitivity of EONS diagnosis and help minimize prolonged antibiotic use in cases of culture-negative sepsis. UCBC demonstrated a low contamination rate and comparable diagnostic yield to NBC. UCBC may be considered a reliable alternative or adjunct to NBC in the evaluation and management of EONS.

Key Points

• UCBC and NBC together improve sepsis detection sensitivity.

• UCBC provides adequate volume for reliable neonatal cultures.

• UCBC offers a less invasive option for neonatal sepsis evaluation.

• Standardized UCBC technique reduces false-positive culture risk.

• UCBC shows low contamination in assessing early-onset sepsis.

Keywords

sepsis - neonates - blood culture - cord blood

Publication History

Received: 12 June 2025

Accepted: 07 November 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
08 November 2025

Article published online:
20 November 2025

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