Abstract: The invention is devices and methods for collecting fetal blood from the umbilical cord and placenta after the birth of a baby. Embodiments of the invention are open circuit devices and methods that allow collection of relatively large quantities of cord blood while reducing the risk of contamination to levels lower than those presently associated with closed circuit systems. Other embodiments are methods and devices for use in closed system procedures that increase the amount of blood collected and also reduce the amount of contamination in presently employed closed systems.