How is cord blood collected?

How is cord blood collected?

The cord blood collection process is simple, safe, and painless. The process usually takes no longer than five minutes. Cord blood collection does not interfere with delivery and is possible with both vaginal and cesarean deliveries. Your health care provider will use either the syringe method or bag method for collecting the blood:

    Syringe method: a syringe is used to draw blood from the umbilical cord shortly after the umbilical cord has been cut. The process is similar to drawing blood for a regular blood test.
    Bag method: the umbilical cord is elevated to drain the blood into a bag.

The syringe or bag should be pre-labeled with a unique number that identifies your baby. Cord blood may only be collected during the first 15 minutes following the birth, and should be processed by the laboratory within 48 hours of collection.

Why would I store my baby’s blood in a cord blood bank?

Why would I store my baby’s blood in a cord blood bank?

The cord blood of your baby is an abundant source of stem cells which are genetically related to your baby and your family. The stem cells are dominant cells in the way that they contribute to the development of all tissues, organs, and systems in the body.

Stem cells are able to transform into other types of cells in the body to create new growth and development. They are the building block of the immune system. The transformation of these cells provides physicians with a way to treat leukemia and some inherited health disorders (More diseases and conditions treated by stem cells). Cord blood stem cells have similar ability to treat disease as bone marrow but with significantly less rejection.

Banking a baby’s blood and stem cells in a cord blood bank is a type of insurance. Ideally, you will not need to access your baby’s stem cells in order to address a medical problem. But using a cord blood bank can provide peace of mind knowing that you have a valuable resource if you need it. The stem cells from your baby’s cord blood may be effective in treating certain diseases or conditions of a parent or sibling.