An apparatus and method are provided for harvesting biological material from an umbilical cord. A drain functions to drain the material from the umbilical cord. The apparatus includes a seal member for sealing an open end of an umbilical cord with the drain. A support is provided to support the seal member. An actuator is provided to adjust the engagement of the seal member with the umbilical cord. Moving the actuator relative to the support allows the seal member to twist about the umbilical cord to seal against the umbilical cord to effect drainage of material from the umbilical cord to the drain without leakage.