What Is Cord Blood?
- Cord blood is rich in hematopoietic stem cells that can become red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
- These stem cells treat many cancers, blood disorders, and genetic or metabolic diseases.
- After birth the cord and placenta are typically discarded, so banking or donating captures cells that would otherwise be lost.
How It’s Used Today
Current Therapies
- Leukemias and lymphomas
- Bone marrow failure disorders (aplastic anemia, Fanconi anemia)
- Inherited metabolic diseases (Krabbe, Hurler syndromes)
- Immune deficiencies (SCID, Wiskott-Aldrich)
Research & Trials
- Cerebral palsy and autism clinical studies
- Type 1 diabetes immune modulation
- Stroke and brain injury recovery research
- Still experimental—availability not guaranteed
How Collection Works
- After baby is born and the cord is clamped/cut, a sterile needle draws blood from the cord vessels into a collection bag.
- Collection is painless for both baby and parent and takes only a few minutes.
- The sample is packaged and shipped to a cord blood bank for processing and storage.
Storage Options
Public Banks
- Process and store donated cord blood for any patient or for research.
- No storage fees (though a hospital may charge a small collection fee).
- Once donated, the family usually cannot access it later.
- Helps build a diverse registry of stem cells for patients in need.
Private Banks
- Store cord blood for potential personal use by the family.
- Require enrollment fees plus annual storage costs.
- May be useful if a family member already has a condition treatable with stem cells.
- It is rare for a child to need their own stored stem cells.
Cost & Access Snapshot
Public Donation
- Collection/storage: Free (may be small hospital fee)
- Annual costs: None
- Future access: Not guaranteed (goes to registry)
- Best for: Families wanting to help others or without specific risk factors
Private Banking
- Initial fees: $1,500–$2,500+ (enrollment + processing)
- Annual storage: $150–$300
- Future access: Exclusive to your family
- Best for: Known medical needs, enrolled studies, or personal preference
How to Decide
- Talk with your healthcare provider early in pregnancy about whether banking or donating makes sense for your family.
- Consider medical history: if a sibling or parent has a disease treated with stem cells, private banking might be helpful.
- Research costs, contracts, and accreditation for private banks.
- If donating, confirm your hospital partners with a public bank and complete paperwork ahead of time.
- Consult trusted resources like the National Marrow Donor Program, ACOG, or Save the Cord Foundation.
Planning Timeline
Second Trimester (Weeks 20–27)
- Research accredited banks (AABB, FACT).
- Review contracts, payment plans, and shipping policies.
- Ask hospital if public donation is available and request consent forms.
Third Trimester (Weeks 28–36)
- Enroll with chosen bank; order collection kit.
- Bring kit to prenatal visits so staff know where it is.
- Confirm who will call the courier after delivery.
Delivery Day & Postpartum
- Hand kit to the nurse or provider as soon as labor begins/admission.
- Complete final paperwork while in recovery.
- Track shipping confirmation and ask for storage verification email.
Donation Checklist
- You’ll fill out medical questionnaires and provide maternal blood samples for infectious-disease screening.
- Eligibility rules may exclude preterm births (<34 weeks), multiples, or complicated deliveries.
- Inform labor-and-delivery nurses upon arrival so the team prepares sterile supplies.
- Have backup plans: if collection fails, it does not affect your baby’s care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is collection safe?
Yes. Cord blood is collected after delivery from tissue that would otherwise be discarded. It doesn’t hurt you or your baby.
Can I donate and also keep some for myself?
No. Public donations go into a shared registry. If you want family access, you must use a private bank.
Will my child ever use their own cord blood?
It’s uncommon. Many treatable conditions require donor cells from someone else, but private storage can be helpful for families with known risks.
How long is stored cord blood usable?
Banks can store samples for decades in cryogenic tanks. Ask about their storage and testing protocols.
When should I enroll?
Ideally by the second trimester so the bank can send kits and your hospital can plan collection.
Questions for Your Provider
- Do you recommend cord blood banking or donation given my medical history?
- Does this hospital partner with a public bank, and what paperwork is needed?
- If I choose a private bank, are there any you prefer or requirements I should know?
- What happens if there’s a complication during delivery—will collection still happen?
Questions for Cord Blood Banks
- Are you accredited by AABB, FACT, or CAP?
- How do you test, process, and thaw cord blood samples?
- What is your storage method and backup power plan?
- Are there extra fees for releasing the sample or transferring it later?
- Do you offer sibling discounts or payment plans?
Key Takeaways
Stem Cell Value
Cord blood stem cells can treat many serious diseases.
Choose Storage
Public donation helps others; private banking keeps cells for your family.
Plan Ahead
Enroll by the second trimester so collection kits and paperwork are ready.
Ask Experts
Use your provider plus resources like NMDP and ACOG to guide the decision.
Important Medical Disclaimer
This summary provides educational information only. It does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always follow guidance from your obstetrician, midwife, or healthcare team.
Discuss cord blood banking early if you plan to donate or store cells. Hospitals need advance notice to coordinate collection.