Table 1.

Information on CB units

Criteria	Comments
TNC dose/kg	Exact threshold for acceptable dose unknown but clearly varies according to HLA match (the greater the mismatch, the higher the required TNC)17*
	Do not use units < 2.5 × 107/kg with 1 or 2 mismatches as single-unit grafts17*
HLA match: HLA-A, -B antigens, -DRB1 alleles	A maximum of 2 mismatches is acceptable because of the very high TRM associated with greater mismatch17*
TNC dose and HLA match for double unit grafts	As either unit could engraft, use same unit principles for selection of each unit of the graft10,12,18*
	Our policy is to give preference to HLA match above a TNC threshold of ∼ 2.0 × 107/kg (we do not consider HLA match of units to each other)†
Bank of origin	Quality may vary from unit to unit and bank to bank18–20*
	FACT and/or AABB accredited banks are preferred
	Be aware that turnaround time, speed of responses, reliability of unit information, and fees for unit testing can vary†
Confirmatory HLA typing from an attached segment	Only way to confirm unit identity, unless rapid HLA typing is performed after thaw21*
IDMs	Ensure completeness of testing to expedite unit acquisition, and avoid shipment before results are available†
Hemoglobinopathy screen	Ensure screening is completed before unit shipment†

FACT indicates Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy; and AABB, American Association of Blood Banks.

^*Recommendation based on peer-reviewed literature as referenced.

^†Recommendation is MSKCC institutional policy based on MSKCC experience, and MSKCC/New York Blood Center unpublished data.