About Cord Blood Bank and Donation

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Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord after a baby is born and the umbilical cord is cut. Although once considered medical waste that was thrown away, we now know that cord blood is rich in stem cells. Stem cells are very important because they make many different types of cells in the body including blood cells.

You can bank the cord blood of your child for possible use later on or donate it to help others who may be suffering from a life-threatening disease such as sickle cell disease, cancer, leukemia and immune system disorders. Stem cells from cord blood are currently used to treat over 75 life threatening illnesses.

Banking your baby's cord blood is seen by many people as an investment because the stem cells captured may one day be used to treat a serious illness in your child or another family member. If you store your baby's cord blood for your family's private use, private storage cord blood banks typically charge you for this service. A specialized medical courier will deliver your cord blood from our hospital to the cord blood company you choose.

When Baby's Umbilical Cord Blood is Donated

When you donate your baby's umbilical cord blood:

• It is available to any patient who needs it.
• If it does not meet the criteria for transplant, it may be used by researchers in the search for new and more effective medical uses for cord blood cells.
• It is not reserved for your family's private use.
• There is no cost to you. Public cord blood banks cover the cost of processing and storing your baby's donated cord blood.

Our Technology

At Alexian Brothers Women's Services, we use an FDA approved sterile collection process that optimally preserves the cord blood from contamination. We provide onsite enrollment for those who wish to bank or donate their child's cord blood.

Decision to Bank or Donate 

Whether you decide on banking or donating your baby's cord blood, collecting it does not cause you or your child any pain and can be done by your physician or midwife.

Contact Us 

To learn more about Cord Blood Bank and Donation call 866-253-9426 or email Alexian Brothers Women's Services. For more information or to request a kit please visit Cord Blood Services.