FAQs

Collecting Cord Blood

Collecting Cord Blood Stem Cells - FAQs

How long has cord blood banking been available?

The opportunity for expectant families to collect and store their newborns' umbilical cord blood stem cells has been available since late 1995. Currently, thousands of parents are taking advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In fact, CBR has banked cord blood for more than 325,000 newborns.

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When and how is the cord blood collected?

Cord blood collection occurs immediately after birth and after the umbilical cord has been cut. The remaining blood in the cord is drawn into a collection bag. Your healthcare provider can collect cord blood after a vaginal birth or C-section.

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Is there any risk to my child or myself during collection?

Cord blood collection is safe and painless for you and your baby. The cord blood is collected after the umbilical cord has been clamped and cut. Your healthcare provider does not need to alter the normal birthing process in any way, except to collect your baby's cord blood. Cord blood collection is a simple procedure that usually takes about 5 minutes.

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Can cord blood be collected after a C-section?

Yes. CBR's cord blood collection bag is fully sterile and may be used following a C-section. Your healthcare provider may collect cord blood directly from the cord or from the placenta after delivery.

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Does the amount of cord blood collected matter?

Yes. Typically, collecting more cord blood means collecting more stem cells. This is important because having more stem cells for treatment can improve medical outcomes if the cells are needed for transplant. That's why CBR's CellAdvantage collection bag is designed to collect more cord blood. The combination of CBR's new collection bag, proprietary dry heparin anticoagulant, and superior processing technology improves our ability to save every stem cell possible for your family.

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How many healthcare providers have collected for Cord Blood Registry?

More than 35,000 healthcare providers have collected cord blood for our clients at more than 3,500 hospitals and birthing centers throughout the U.S., and in more than 82 countries. We have provided extensive educational resources and training to physicians, midwives, and hospitals to ensure a simple and effective collection.

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Does the hospital need to provide any materials for my baby's collection?

No. You will receive a collection kit for your baby's cord blood stem cells from CBR or your healthcare provider. Your kit contains all the items your healthcare provider will need to collect your baby's cord blood. However, you must remember to take the kit with you to the hospital when you deliver.

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Banking cord blood does not guarantee that the cells will provide a cure or be applicable for every situation. For inherited genetic conditions, the child will not be able to use his or her own stem cells. A matched sibling's stem cells would be the first choice. Ultimate use will be determined by the treating physician. Treatment for brain injury and juvenile diabetes is experimental and currently requires the use of your own cord blood. Medical treatments using family banked cord tissue are in early research and are not available today; there is no guarantee that therapies will be developed in the future.
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