Frequently Asked Questions

The majority of people who opt to store their baby’s cord blood and cord tissue do so because of:

  1. Possessing risk factors or
  2. As insurance for the unknown.

Only 5% of expecting mothers and their families choose to store their baby’s cord blood.  The good news is the majority of people do not need to store it. Please call 1-800-609-7371 to talk about your circumstances.

Commonly Asked Questions
about Cord Blood and Stem Cells

Is it best to store my baby’s cord blood and cord tissue or donate it for the public?

The majority of people do not need to store.  The main question is whether you and your family possess any risk factors warranting cord blood storage.  Whether you donate or store, the decision is yours. You are encouraged to choose one of the two versus having it thrown away as medical waste.

When is umbilical cord blood used for a transplant/treatment?

Individuals that experience one of the known diseases or conditions may determine with their doctor that stem cell therapy is a favorable treatment option.  That patient’s provider will consider the stem cell taken from either bone marrow, peripheral, or cord blood stem cells. It is possible that cord blood stem cells are the most therapeutic in various cases – yes you could save a life.

If I donate my baby’s cord blood and cord tissue, will it be stored and available for a transplant?

Yes, it will be available to save a life.  If the cord blood donation meets the appropriate health standards and quantity, then it will be stored and made available to treat those in need.  It is kind of exciting thinking that you might save a life, isn’t it?

Are umbilical cord blood stem cells the same as embryonic stem cells?

No, they are not.  Embryonic stem cells achieved from a developing baby are illegal in the United States.  Cord blood stem cells are taken from the residual cord blood that is in the umbilical cord after the baby has been born.  This cord blood is there no matter what. You get to decide to store it, donate it, or have it thrown away as medical waste.

What is the “Be the Match Registry” program?

Be the match is a national registry of donated cord blood, donated bone marrow or other biological material.  The good news is if you donate your cord blood and cord tissue, it could be saved in the Be The Match Registry accessed later by someone who needs help.

The Be the Match Registry is vital for people throughout the United States.  Minorities are underrepresented in the registry, so if you are a minority please consider donating your baby’s cord blood and cord tissue versus having it thrown away.

What makes a qualified successful cord blood donation?

The cord blood donation has to meet some practical qualifications to be considered a qualified and successful cord blood donation:

  • The volume must contain enough blood-forming cells
  • Pass basic health guidelines
  • Free from infections or other health concerns

Can my baby’s cord blood be stored privately and still be used in the national registry?

Unfortunately, it can only be one or the other.  The good news is you get to decide to store it or donate keeping it from being thrown away as medical waste.

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How Cord Blood Saves A Life

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