What is umbilical cord blood?
After a woman gives birth to a baby, the umbilical cord is clamped and the connection from the baby to the placenta is broken. The placenta and the rest of the umbilical cord are then simply discarded, unless the mother gives her consent beforehand to allow the umbilical cord blood to be donated. The blood within the umbilical cord – usually about three to five fluid ounces – can be drained and donated to a cord blood bank to be used by patients seeking a stem cell match.
Why is donating so important?
Umbilical cord blood is especially unique because it contains a large amount of blood stem cells. These blood stem cells of umbilical cord blood have been and are continually being researched for use in new methods for treating patients with life-threatening diseases. Blood stem cells are also found in bone marrow or peripheral (circulating) blood, but umbilical cord blood is more easily accessible since it is of no harm or effort of the donating baby or mother. Having a supply of umbilical cord blood also helps patients who are unable to find a blood stem cell match within their own family.
What do I have to do to donate my baby’s umbilical cord blood?
If you are considering donating your expected baby’s umbilical cord blood, you should contact a cord blood bank by your 34th week of pregnancy. Because umbilical cord blood donation is a relatively new concept in medicine, the number of cord blood banks is limited and you may not be able to find one in or near your community. In some areas, you may be able to donate your baby’s cord blood to a bank within your state if the distance is not too great.
If there is a cord blood bank in your community, a few tests of your blood will be made to ensure the blood is healthy and safe for future transplants. You will then be asked to sign a letter of consent. If there are any complications during the pregnancy, the umbilical cord blood will not be collected. All of your information will be kept confidential at the cord blood bank as well.
Are there any costs for donating my baby’s umbilical cord blood?
Donating your baby’s umbilical cord blood is of no cost to you. However, if you desire, you can have your baby’s umbilical cord blood stored by the cord blood bank for the private use of your family for a small fee.
What happens to donated umbilical cord blood?
In order for donated umbilical cord blood to be stored, the amount must be at least 3 fluid ounces and it must be free of infection. Then the umbilical cord blood is frozen and can be stored for up to ten years. The contribution is then listed on the National Marrow Donation Program (NMDP) registry and available to patients all over the world who are searching for a match. The umbilical cord blood can be transplanted into anyone who has matching blood stem cells.
By Monica Drusch