Identification

Cord blood is the blood that is left over in a baby's umbilical cord after it has been cut after birth. Researchers have discovered that the cord blood can be a source of stem cells that may later be used in medical treatments. Stem cells have the capability of becoming any type of cell in a human's body.

Method

The cord blood is collected immediately after the birth of the baby and after his umbilical cord has been clamped and cut. The procedure is painless and normally takes less than five minutes.

What Happens Next

After the cord blood has been collected from the umbilical cord, it is placed in a special collection kit and shipped to the Cord Blood Registry for processing and storage.

Cost

The total cost of the initial collection and processing of the cord blood stems is approximately $2,000. There is also an annual storage fee of $125. These fees can be covered through payment plans if necessary.

Retrieval

If the child or a family member should ever need the cord blood sample, the Cord Blood Registry's client services department and the physician will make arrangements for the testing, release and shipment of the stem cells to the chosen hospital.

Source:

Cord Blood Registry