What does a Cord Blood Center do?

A cord blood center collects and stores samples of cord blood taken from the umbilical cord and placenta at birth. Also known as cord blood banks, cord blood centers accept donations for general public use, as well as handling private storage of cord blood samples for families who wish to save their cord blood for future use. Like other facilities that handle blood and tissue samples, they are subject to regulation by government agencies concerned with the biomedical sciences and the safety of the human population.

Cord blood contains specialized stem cells known as hematopoietic cells. Historically, it was simply discarded after birth, along with the umbilical cord and placenta, until research revealed the potential application of the stem cells it contained. These cells can be used in the treatment of a number of diseases, and administration of cord blood can be lifesaving in some cases. A cord blood center coordinates and organizes collection of cord blood while storing samples in a secure place so they will be available when needed.

Expecting parents who are interested in banking cord blood can typically choose between two options: donating to others or banking cord blood for their own future use. People who need transfers of stem cells from cord blood can apply for specimens from a cord blood center. After an extensive typing and matching process, an appropriate sample will be selected and used anonymously for transplant. Donating cord blood is typically free of charge, as it is a public service.

People can also choose to use a cord blood center to hold samples of cord blood for their own use. Banking cord blood can be useful for the treatment of disease in the baby or a family member, and the blood may be stored for an extended period of time and made available when needed. People in need of transplants benefit from having access to their own cord blood or the cord blood of a close relatives, as the chances of a match increase by using samples from people who are closely genetically related. There is usually a fee, although sometimes the fee is waived if people are banking cord blood for immediate use in the treatment of a sick family member.

A cord blood center may also make samples available for genetic research, if given permission by the donors. This research is used to identify new uses for cord blood while developing safe and effective ways of using it in medical treatment. People who choose to donate to medical research can provide valuable resources for the medical profession and contribute to the next generation of medical treatment.