What are cord blood banks?
Cord blood banks freeze and store blood and blood products from the placenta and/or the umbilical cord.

Why do some families bank their babies' cord blood?
Stem cells can be obtained from stored cord blood and used in stem cell transplants to treat some diseases,including certain genetic diseases, cancers and disorders of the blood and immune system. Researchers are trying to learn how to use stem cells to treat other conditions in the future.
Some families donate cord blood to support treatment and medical research. Others save it in case a family member needs a stem cell transplant.

Do I need to plan for cord blood banking before my baby is born?
Yes, if you want to save the cord blood. To save it, you must sign a consent form and other agreements with a cord blood bank, usually several weeks before the baby is born. LifebankUSA Placental and Cord Blood Banking

How is the cord blood collected? Does the collection always work?
Cord blood is collected after the baby is born and the umbilical cord is cut. The delivery room medical staff or a technician collects the blood from the cord and the placenta. Sometimes, the collection does not produce enough stem cells or the cord blood is otherwise unsuitable for transplant. When this happens, the stem cells are not transplant quality and may not be useful for treatment, but may be used for research.

Does collecting cord blood pose any risks to me or my baby?
There are no physical risks. The delivery of the baby is the same, whether you save the cord blood or not. Many banks require the mother's blood to be tested for infectious diseases and genetic conditions. As a result, you may learn about a disease or condition that you did not know about previously. The bank may be required by law to report your test results to public health officials. Read the consent form carefully and talk with your
physician about any concerns you have.

What kinds of banks collect cord blood from infants born in some states?
There are two kinds of banks: private and public. Public banks, which may be operated by private corporations, accept donations for research and treatment for anyone in need. Families pay private banks to store the blood for exclusive use by their child or family members. Several public and private banks store cord blood for families. LifebankUSA Placental and Cord Blood Banking

Who can help me learn more about cord blood banking?
Talk with your primary care doctor, obstetrician, pediatrician and other medical providers. You may
want to discuss your family's medical history, risk for diseases, treatment options, and the likelihood of finding a stem cell match from a stranger, if a stem cell transplant were ever needed.Contact banks about their procedures and about the agreements you will sign with them. Public and private banks advertise on the internet and answer questions by phone. Ask them who can use the cord blood after collection, where it is stored, how it is stored, and how your privacy is protected.

The National Marrow Donor Program's Center for Cord Blood has a website (www.marrow.org) with cord blood information for parents. The National Cord Blood Program also has a web site

Remember: Information is changing quickly. Only time will tell which additional diseases stem cell transplants will be able to treat and how long cord blood can be stored. Carefully review materials from many different sources.

Use these materials when you prepare to talk with your doctor about cord blood banking.