UMBILICAL-CORD BLOOD-GAS ANALYSIS AT DELIVERY

Fetal acid-base status is the end point that all antepartum and intrap artum surveillance tools are designed to assess, either directly or in directly. Umbilical arterial blood pH is normal in 80% of depressed ne wborns, thereby proving the absence of birth asphyxia both in the deli very room and in the courtroom. The technique, normal ranges, and risk s, benefits and cost analysis of routine Versus selected umbilical blo od sampling are considered. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends performing umbilical blood sampling for acid- base analysis in selected deliveries. However, in our opinion routine umbilical blood sampling at ail deliveries has merit.