What is Cord Blood?

After the umbilical cord has been cut and tied, following a baby’s birth, the placenta and remaining umbilical cord can be disposed of. But they still contain blood. This blood is called cord blood.

Cord blood is a valuable source of stem cells. By storing your baby’s stem cells, you can use it to treat another member of the family who is suffering from a disease or condition that can be treated with stem cells. Or you can store it for your baby’s use if the need should arise. You can also have it stored for public use or research purposes.

A few of the diseases and conditions treatable with cord blood stem cells are Lymphoma, Leukemia, Immune disorders, blood disorders, some cancers, Anemia and Sickle cell anemia.

Cord blood is drawn out of the placenta and umbilical cord by syringes or needles and collected in vials or blood bags. The collection process is non-invasive and therefore, neither painful nor harmful to the baby and mother.

Although cord blood collection is a simple procedure, it is not routine. You will need to inform your obstetrician and a cord blood bank of your choice, well before your delivery date.

Private cord blood bank(for those who wish to store for family use) : collection fee(can be upto $2000) + annual storage fee($125). Those who wish to donate cord blood can do so in a public cord blood bank with no collection or storage fee. Collection and storage of cord blood donated for research purposes is also free of charge.