Cord blood banking captures umbilical cord blood after delivery and preserves hematopoietic stem cells for potential future medical use. Collection is safe and simple, occurring after the cord is clamped. Families can choose private storage or public donation. Consider trade-offs like delayed cord clamping, verify a bank's accreditations (AABB/FACT), and complete enrollment during pregnancy. Confirm the current status of any specific provider before signing up.

Why consider cord blood banking

Cord blood banking captures the blood left in the umbilical cord after birth. That blood contains hematopoietic (blood-forming) stem cells that are used in transplants to treat certain blood cancers, inherited metabolic and immune disorders, and other conditions. Private banks store cord blood for a family's future use; public banks make donated units available to any matching patient.

How collection works and safety

Collection happens after your baby is delivered and the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. A trained clinician inserts a needle into the umbilical vein and draws the cord blood into a sterile collection bag that contains anticoagulant. The process is quick, painless for mother and baby, and does not interfere with delivery.

Cord blood collection is much less invasive than harvesting stem cells from bone marrow, which typically requires general anesthesia and a recovery period. Private cord blood banks commonly provide a collection kit to bring to the birthing facility and arrange transportation to their processing lab.

Uses and limitations

Cord blood stem cells are established therapy for a number of hematologic and immune disorders and remain an active area of research in regenerative medicine. Stored cord blood can sometimes be used for siblings or parents if a suitable match exists. However, not every condition or patient can be treated with a given cord blood unit; physicians will evaluate compatibility and suitability at the time of need.

Also note that delayed cord clamping (waiting to clamp the cord for 30-60 seconds or longer) can lower the volume of cord blood collected. Expect a discussion with your care team about the best choice for your newborn.

Choosing a bank and quality markers

If you choose private banking, look for a laboratory that follows recognized standards for processing and cryopreservation. Many banks seek accreditation from organizations such as AABB or FACT, and they should provide clear consent forms, a chain-of-custody process, and transparent pricing and storage terms. Public banks accept donations according to regional rules and make units available through transplant registries.

Practical steps

  1. Decide in advance - enroll and complete consent forms during pregnancy.
  1. Confirm hospital staff will collect and courier the kit after birth.
  1. Discuss delayed cord clamping with your provider.
  1. Verify the bank's accreditations and delivery/processing timelines.
Choosing to bank cord blood is a personal decision. It preserves a medical resource available only at birth and may provide treatment options for family members in the future. If you are considering a specific provider such as the New England Cord Blood Bank, confirm the bank's current services and accreditation before enrolling.
  1. Confirm current operating status, ownership, and services of the New England Cord Blood Bank (enrollment, collection kit, processing labs).
  2. Verify up-to-date lists of conditions treatable with cord blood and any authoritative counts (e.g., '80+ diseases') from credible sources such as medical societies or cord blood foundations.

FAQs about New England Cord Blood Bank

Is cord blood collection safe for my baby?
Yes. Collection occurs after the cord is clamped and cut, so it is painless and does not affect the baby or mother.
Who can use stored cord blood?
Privately stored cord blood is reserved for the family that banked it; donated units in public banks can be matched and used by unrelated patients. In some cases, siblings or parents may be able to use the stored unit depending on compatibility.
How does cord blood collection differ from bone marrow collection?
Cord blood collection is quick and performed at birth without anesthesia. Bone marrow donation is an invasive procedure that typically requires anesthesia and recovery time.
Will delayed cord clamping prevent collection?
Delayed cord clamping can reduce the volume of blood available for collection, which may affect the cell yield. Discuss your priorities with your care team to balance immediate newborn benefits against collection goals.
What should I look for when choosing a bank?
Look for clear consent procedures, chain-of-custody practices, transparent fees, and laboratory accreditations such as AABB or FACT. Confirm processing and storage timelines and read the contract carefully.