Why a Cord Blood Bank?

• Cord Blood can save lives.
• Cord Blood is extra and not needed by mother or baby.
• Cord Blood collection is harmless to mother and baby.
• Cord Blood can be stored long-term.
• Cord Blood can be ready ‘off the shelf’ to treat patients without delay.

What is Cord Blood?

Cord blood is the remaining blood in the umbilical cord and afterbirth when a baby is born. This is extra blood which is discarded routinely and measures approximately one cupful. Why is Cord Blood Special?
Cord blood contains immature blood cells which grow and divide into different types of blood cells. These seed cells are similar to cells in the bone marrow and work in the same way as bone marrow transplant.

Who needs Cord Blood?

People with cancer or leukaemia may require a bone marrow or a cord blood transplant as part of their treatment. Many such patients die because of delay or inability to find a suitable bone marrow donor

Is it Safe to Donate Cord Blood?

• You and your baby are our number one priority.
• Blood from the umbilical cord and afterbirth is collected by your midwife only after your baby has been delivered safely.
• The collection is a painless procedure and there is no risk to mother or baby. The delivery of your baby is not altered in any way to facilitate the collection of Cord Blood

How can Cord Blood Save a Life?

There are a number of tissue groups and special tests are required to match cord blood with the patient. Once a matched cord blood has been found it can be transfused into the patient just like a normal blood transfusion. Cord Blood is frozen and it can be stored in liquid nitrogen for many years.