Cord Blood Collection: What to Know Before Labor

Cord blood collection is a simple, painless process that happens right after birth and can save lives. Here's what you need to know:

• What is cord blood? It's rich in hematopoietic stem cells, which can treat over 80 diseases like blood cancers and immune disorders.

• Why consider it? Cord blood is easier to match than bone marrow and has been used in 4,000+ transplants annually worldwide.

• Collection process: Done immediately after birth (vaginal or C-section), it doesn't interfere with delivery or bonding time.

• Options:

  • Private banking: Store for family use; costs include initial processing and annual fees (in some cases). For the most up-to-date prices, visit https://production.americordblood.com/pricing

  • Public donation: Free and helps others in need.

• Factors to consider: Delayed cord clamping can reduce the amount collected, and some birth complications may limit collection success.

Quick Comparison of Private vs. Public Banking

Plan ahead: Discuss with your healthcare provider before 34 weeks of pregnancy to decide the best option for your family.

How Collection Works

Collection Timing and Methods

Cord blood collection happens right after birth, during the third stage of labor. This process is the same for both vaginal and cesarean deliveries, though studies suggest that C-section collections may result in a higher blood volume. Timing is crucial, as delayed cord clamping can reduce the volume of blood collected. For instance, waiting longer than 60 seconds after birth to clamp the cord can significantly lower the chances of collecting a clinical-grade cord blood units.

Here’s a quick look at the steps involved:

• Preparation: The healthcare provider cleans the umbilical cord with antiseptic wipes.

• Clamping: The cord is clamped and cut, following the birth plan.

• Collection: Blood is carefully drawn from the cord using sterile tools.

• Documentation: The sample is labeled and prepared for transport.

Timing plays a key role in maintaining cell viability. Check out how it changes over time:

Post-Collection Steps

Once the cord blood is collected, several steps ensure the stem cells stay intact and ready for use:

• Initial Processing: The sample is placed in a specialized kit that includes temperature monitors and backup supplies. Detailed instructions guide every step to ensure safe handling.

• Transportation: A medical courier service, available 24/7 year-round, delivers the sample to the processing lab. Processing typically starts within 24 hours to keep the stem cells in peak condition.

• Laboratory Processing: At the lab, technicians evaluate the sample's viability, separate blood components, conduct quality checks, and start the cryopreservation process.

After 14 days, the sample undergoes contamination testing to confirm its safety. Only the best-quality cord blood moves forward to cryopreservation, where it can remain viable for decades. In fact, successful transplants have been performed using cord blood stored for up to 18 years.

What Can Affect Collection Success

Several factors can influence the success of cord blood collection. Being aware of these can help parents and healthcare providers make better decisions when preparing a birth plan.

Effects of Delayed Cord Clamping

Delayed cord clamping (DCC) allows more blood to flow from the placenta to the newborn, which can be beneficial for the baby, but may reduce the amount and quality of cord blood available for collection. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests delaying cord clamping fro about 30-60 seconds, allowing for leftover umbilical cord blood.

Immediate clamping increases the chances of collecting a larger cord blood volume.

Birth Complications and Collection

Complications during childbirth can also limit the success of cord blood collection. In emergencies, the health of the mother and baby takes priority over collecting cord blood.

Certain scenarios and conditions can make collection more difficult or even impossible, including:

• Placental abruption requiring immediate delivery

• Maternal health emergencies, such as hemodynamic instability

• Abnormal placental attachment

• Umbilical cord issues, like avulsion or abnormalities

• Preterm births with insufficient cord blood volume

• Infections, such as chorioamnionitis or active genital herpes

• Tears in placental vessels

Interestingly, cesarean deliveries often result in higher cord blood volumes compared to vaginal births. However, even then, a significant portion of collected units may not meet the necessary cell count for banking.

To ensure the best outcomes, parents should discuss these factors with their healthcare provider. Together, they can create a birth plan that carefully weighs the neonatal benefits of delayed clamping against the goal of collecting a viable cord blood sample.

Storage and Quality Standards

Proper storage and strict quality control are essential for maintaining the therapeutic potential of cord blood and making informed decisions about banking it.

Required Quality Measures

Cord blood storage facilities in the United States must adhere to detailed guidelines to ensure sample viability. These protocols cover critical areas such as processing and preservation. Here’s a quick breakdown of key quality measures:

Facilities are also required to document donor screening, testing processes, and storage conditions. Continuous temperature monitoring is another critical element, ensuring the reliability of the storage bank.

How to Pick a Cord Blood Bank

When choosing a cord blood bank, look for accreditations like AABB. For example, Americord Registry, which relocated to Somerset, New Jersey, in December 2023, is AABB accredited and exemplifies high standards in the industry.

Advanced technologies are a key consideration as well. Americord employs CryoMaxx™ Processing technology alongside 5-compartment storage vials to enhance stem cell preservation.

Our investment in cutting-edge facilities, combined with our dedication to meeting and exceeding industry regulations, reinforces our commitment to providing the highest-quality services to our clients, says Martin Smithmyer, CEO at Americord.

A good storage bank will also have robust security measures, including continuous temperature monitoring and clear emergency procedures.

Reputable banks provide transparency by sharing information such as:

• Success rates for processing

• Detailed storage protocols

• Emergency preparedness plans

• Pricing options

• Transportation methods

Finally, consider the difference between public and private banks. Public banks store donated cord blood for general use at no cost, while private banks preserve samples exclusively for family use, offering various payment plans and storage options.

Banking Costs and Future Uses

Banking Fees and Payment Options

Cord blood banking comes with several costs that families should consider when planning their budget. For example, Americord offers various payment plans, with options for monthly installments. There is also a one-time fee for the collection kit and shipping. For the most up-to-date prices, visit https://production.americordblood.com/pricing

Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:

Banks typically offer flexible payment plans to make these costs more manageable. Common options include:

• Monthly installment plans

• Annual payment options

• Discounts for long-term storage

• Zero-interest financing

• Prepaid storage plans (e.g., 20-year or lifetime options)

These payment structures reflect the investment required, especially as cord blood continues to expand into new areas of medical treatment.

Medical Uses and Research

The costs of cord blood banking are more understandable when you consider its growing role in medicine. Cord blood stem cells are already approved by the FDA for treating over 80 conditions, and ongoing research is exploring their use in regenerative and cutting-edge therapies.

Some key statistics highlight the importance of cord blood banking:

• Every 3 minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with blood cancer.

• Transplants using cord blood from a family member have double the success rate compared to unrelated donations.

• 48% of cord blood releases are now used in regenerative treatments.

Clinical trials have shown promising results in several areas:

• Cardiac Treatment: Patients with heart failure experienced reduced scar tissue and improved heart function.

• Neurological Applications: Parkinson's patients showed better motor function and slower disease progression.

• Orthopedic Therapy: Individuals with osteoarthritis reported less pain and better joint mobility.

FDA-approved treatments already cover a range of diseases:

With estimates suggesting that 1 in 3 people could benefit from regenerative therapies during their lifetime, cord blood banking offers families a valuable resource with life-changing potential.

Next Steps for Parents

If you're considering cord blood banking, it's important to plan ahead. Aim to complete all necessary steps before 34 weeks of pregnancy to ensure everything is ready in time.

Here's What to Do:

1. Talk to a Stem Cell Consultant
   Reach out to Americord at 866-503-6005 to connect with a consultant. Their specialists are available every day to discuss your options and answer any questions about the process.

2. Finish Your Enrollment
   Once you've chosen your plan, Americord will send you a Cord Blood Collection Kit right away. This kit includes everything you'll need, such as:

   • Clear instructions for both parents and healthcare providers

   • All necessary collection materials

   • Data collection sheets

   • Supplies for the FDA-required maternal blood draw

3. Coordinate with Your Healthcare Team
   Share your decision to bank with Americord with your healthcare providers and discuss:

   • Your preference for delayed cord clamping

   • The timing of the maternal blood draw (before IV fluids are administered)

   • Proper handling of the collection kit to ensure everything goes smoothly

The staff at Americord answered them all and even explained complicated things about stem cells in plain language. They also walked me through the different options and payment plans and helped me find the one that was right for me. – Sameer B., an Americord client

Timeline for Key Steps

To make the process easier, follow this timeline:

Important Things to Keep in Mind:

• Store your collection kit at room temperature and away from direct sunlight.

• Do not open the kit until you're at the hospital.

• If your due date is less than four weeks away, express shipping is available.

• Remember, most babies arrive before their due date, so plan accordingly.

For more detailed guidance, you can download Americord's newborn stem cell banking guide or schedule a consultation directly on their website.

FAQs