• After delivery, a specially trained person collects blood from the placenta and umbilical cord. In some situations, a specially trained obstetrical provider may collect the cells at the time of delivery.
• Once blood is collected, the amount of cells in the blood are tested to be sure that the unit is usable, in addition, other tests for various infections are performed.
• Since each person has a unique HLA blood type, cord blood cells need to be tested to see what “type” they are. This information is put into a secure computer database.
• Cells are frozen and saved in a central storage facility where they are available to any patient that needs them for treatment It is important to remember that if you use a public bank. Your baby’s cord blood cells are not saved for your baby or your family. They can be used by anyone who needs them.
• Public cord blood banks are free.
• Public banks typically collect from only a few designated hospitals in their area.