Stem Cell Collection Checklist: Preparing for Birth
Collecting your baby's cord blood and tissue stem cells at birth can provide a future medical resource for over 80 conditions, including blood disorders and cancers. The process is quick, safe, and happens right after cutting the umbilical cord. Here’s a quick summary of what to prepare:
- Choose a Storage Bank: Public (free, for donation) or private (family-use, with fees).
- Fill Out Forms: Complete agreements, medical history, and consent forms before delivery.
- Review the Collection Kit: Ensure it includes all necessary supplies like sterile bags, labels, and a temperature probe.
- Coordinate with Medical Staff: Inform your doctor and hospital about your collection plans.
- Assign a Helper: Pick someone to handle the kit and logistics before pickup.
Quick Tip: Keep your collection kit stored at a normal temperature and ensure it’s handed directly to medical staff or the courier after use.
For a smooth process, follow these steps and confirm with your storage bank that the sample has been successfully stored.
Umbilical Cord Blood Banking: Types and Options Explained
1. Before Delivery: Getting Ready
Planning ahead ensures a smooth stem cell collection process. Here's what to do to stay organized and avoid last-minute stress.
Choose Your Storage Bank
Decide between public or private storage options based on your family's needs.
| Storage Type | Cost | Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Banks | No storage fees, possible collection fees | Available to anyone in need | Donation and research |
| Private Banks (e.g., Americord) | Annual storage fees (in some cases) | Exclusive family access | Personal/family use |
Americord is a leader in the field, storing a significant number of newborn stem cell samples. They offer flexible payment plans and storage options to suit various budgets. Pricing is subject to change, for the most up-to-date prices visit https://production.americordblood.com/pricing
Fill Out Necessary Forms
Once you've chosen a bank, complete these key documents:
- Service agreement
- Family medical history forms
- Consent forms for the collection procedure
- Payment arrangements and contracts
Make sure all paperwork is finalized before labor begins. Many banks now offer digital forms to make the process faster and easier.
Review Your Collection Kit
After registering, you'll get a collection kit containing everything needed for the procedure. It will typically include a unique barcode, tracking system, sterile supplies, detailed instructions, and tamper-evident packaging.
Keep the kit sealed until delivery. Store it in a safe, easily accessible spot so you can grab it quickly when heading to the hospital.
Your collection kit and all of the items within it have their own barcode and ID number. These are completely unique to your baby and ensure that the entire process of cord blood collection, processing and storage is fully traceable, from end to end.1
Once these steps are handled, you can focus on packing everything else you'll need for delivery.
2. What to Pack
Once your pre-delivery prep is done, it’s time to pack everything you’ll need for a smooth collection process.
Collection Kit Storage
Store your collection kit in an area where the temperature is regulated. Make sure it’s easy to access, but protected from extreme temperatures - this step ensures the sample stays in optimal condition.
Required Paperwork
After securing the kit, organize all necessary documents in a folder to keep them in one place:
- Signed contract with your storage bank
- Completed consent forms (must be done before labor)
- Family medical history records
- Personal ID documents
- Insurance cards and hospital pre-registration forms
- Collection kit paperwork, including barcodes and ID numbers
Personal Items and Contacts
Keep important contacts and instructions handy, along with your documents:
- Save your storage bank’s 24/7 contact number in your phone
- Carry a backup paper list of key phone numbers
- Include your healthcare provider’s collection instructions
- Have your designated helper’s contact info (the person managing the kit)
Reminder: Never leave your collection kit at the hospital reception desk. Keep it with you or your helper until it’s handed directly to medical staff or the courier service.
3. Working with Medical Staff
Once you've organized your pre-delivery checklist, it's time to coordinate with your medical team to ensure everything goes smoothly for stem cell collection.
Inform Your Medical Team
Let your OB/GYN know early on about your plan to bank your baby's cord blood. Schedule a meeting to go over the collection process and share details about the storage bank you've selected. Make sure they know when the collection kit is expected to arrive (usually about six weeks before your due date) and any specific instructions from the bank. In urgent situations, remember that your and your baby's health should always first.
Check with Hospital Staff
Reach out to your hospital's labor and delivery department ahead of time to understand their procedures for cord blood collection. Confirm that they offer this service and verify how long the process typically takes (usually under 5 minutes).
| Topic | Details to Confirm |
|---|---|
| Collection Services | Whether the hospital handles cord blood collection. |
| Time Requirements | That the process generally takes less than 5 minutes. |
The procedure involves a healthcare professional using a sterile needle to collect blood from the umbilical vessels into a special bag. Once collected, an anticoagulant is added, and the sample is prepared for transport to the lab.
Assign a Helper
Having a reliable helper is crucial for managing logistics and ensuring everything is handed off properly to the medical team. This person should:
- Keep the collection kit secure.
- Notify the phlebotomist when labor begins.
- Coordinate with medical staff to ensure proper timing.
- Call the courier as soon as the kit is packaged.
- Never leave the kit unattended.
Pick someone who is comfortable with medical procedures and can communicate effectively with hospital staff. If you're considering delayed cord clamping, discuss the timing with your medical team, as it might impact the amount of blood collected.
4. After Collection Steps
Once the stem cells are collected, follow these essential steps to ensure they are processed and stored correctly.
Check Sample Labels
Right after collection, double-check that every sample is labeled accurately. Cross-verify the labels with your helper before the kit leaves the hospital. Each container should include the following details:
| Label Information | What to Verify |
|---|---|
| Patient Details | Full name, date of birth, hospital ID |
| Collection Time | Date and exact time of collection |
| Medical Staff | Name of the physician or nurse who collected it |
| Sample Type | Specify whether it’s cord blood and/or tissue |
Make sure maternal blood samples are also correctly labeled and included in the kit. These are essential for screening tests that ensure the safety and quality of the cells.
Ship to Storage Bank
The collected stem cells must arrive at the storage facility within 72 hours. Top storage facilities often use specialized packaging combined with specialized cold chain logistics to maintain the right temperature during transit.
Take immediate action by contacting your courier, securing the tracking number, and keeping an eye on the temperature throughout the shipment.
Once the kit is on its way, move on to the next step: confirming storage.
Get Storage Confirmation
You should receive an initial confirmation within two working days. This will include details such as the volume collected, cell viability, and maternal test results.
The full verification process involves:
- Sterility testing, which takes 7-14 days
- Final test results
- An official storage certificate (issued after payment is completed)
Store all related documents securely and create digital backups. These records could be essential if the stem cells are needed for future medical treatments.
Next Steps
Once the collection is complete, it's important to monitor and document the entire process. For Americord clients, samples are processed efficiently. This ensures that every detail, from results to confirmations, is securely recorded for future use.
Here’s a quick overview of the timeline and actions to keep in mind:
| Timeline | Expected Communication | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Within 48 hours | Initial viability results | Confirm receipt with the bank |
| Days 1–14 | Contamination testing updates | Keep track of updates |
| After 14 days | Final test results | Review and store documentation |
| Upon payment completion | Storage certificate | Save the certificate securely |
If stored stem cells are needed immediately for treatment, work closely with your healthcare provider to coordinate follow-ups. The medical team will oversee the engraftment process, which generally takes 2–6 weeks. They’ll also guide you through any necessary revaccinations once your immune system has recovered.
References:
1 Cells4Life. (n.d.). Your Cord Blood Collection Kit. Retrieved from [Original URL for Cells4Life kit information if available, otherwise consider removing reference or finding an Americord-specific one]
2 Canadian Cancer Society. (n.d.). After a stem cell transplant. Retrieved from [Original URL for Canadian Cancer Society]