Frequently Asked Questions about Umbilical Cord Blood & Stem Cells

(Espanol)

I. Umbilical Cord Blood Bank

1. What is the purpose of donating and storing umbilical cord blood?

Like bone marrow and peripheral blood, umbilical cord blood is a source of stem cells. These stem cells can be used to repopulate the bone marrow in someone being treated for leukemia or lymphoma. It would be available to other people as well, since this is a public umbilical cord blood bank.

2. When and how do you collect the cord blood stem cells?

The collection process can take place at either of two stages, either before (in utero) or after (ex utero) the placental delivery. The collection does not begin until after your baby has been safely delivered. The cord blood is collected by trained professionals, which can be a participating attending physician you may have or Blood Center collections specialist. It is collected into a sterile kit. The cord blood will later be tested, processed, and stored in a freezer in a specially designed package.

3. Are my doctors/nurses at my hospital familiar with the collection process?

Physicians and collection staff in the Umbilical Cord Blood Bank are knowledgeable about the process.

4. How safe is this for you and your baby and will it hurt either of you?

The first priority is your and your baby’s well being. The collection process begins only after the baby has been delivered. Neither you or your baby will feel anything.

5. Who will be helped by my donation and will my cord blood be used for research?

For those cord blood donations that meet all transplant criteria, the stem cells can be used to treat leukemia/lymphoma, breast cancer, and a host of hereditary/genetic disorders. For cord blood donations that do not meet transplant criteria, the stem cells may be used for research.

6. What tests are done on the blood and how can I get the results of those tests?

The FDA requires tests for infectious disease, sterility, and for cord blood potency (number and viability of stem cells). After signing a release form, the parents can receive the test results if they request them. You will be notified of any reactive infectious disease tests.

7. How long can these cells be stored and still be viable?

Research suggests that these cells could last indefinitely.

8. If, at some point in the future, my child or other family member needs these cells, can we claim them?

Yes, if the cells are still available in our public bank. If the cells are no longer in our bank, we will help your family track down the closest matching unit.

9. What if I, the baby’s father, or my baby’s siblings have a history of lymphoma, leukemia or thyroid cancer?

Then you cannot donate cord blood. For other types of cancer, you will be further evaluated.

10. Can the baby’s stem cells be used for the second baby and vice versa? Also for a relative or friend?

If they match, and the umbilical cord blood is still available, we may be able to provide it to them. Relative and friend’s cells have to match the baby’s type in order to be useful.

11. How do I donate my baby’s cord blood?

To register, please review the information packet and complete the attached forms according to instructions.

12. How long prior to my due date should the application be completed?

We prefer that you contact us at least four weeks prior to your due date, which gives you time to review the materials and ask questions. However, you can decide closer to your due date.

13. Will this cost me any money?

There is no fee for donating to our public bank.

14. What is the medical criteria to enter these programs?

The baby must be born full-term (>36 weeks), and healthy. The mother must be healthy and at least 18 years of age.

15. What if I have twins?

We do not accept donations from multiple births (i.e. Twins).

16. Do I need to bring the kit to the hospital?

Yes. Please take the kit we have given you to the delivery room. The cord blood will be collected and the Blood Center will pick it up from the hospital.