Cord blood collection is simple. Here are basic instructions on how to collect your baby’s cord blood. (Each cord blood bank differs slightly, so use these steps as a guide, but verify the specific steps of the company you choose precisely.):
-
Enroll by phone or online with a cord blood bank.
Before you do so, check out the discount programs and payment plans–they make the cost manageable. (Note that the pricing structure and payment plans for countries outside of the US differ.) Also, use a cord blood coupon when you enroll. Several companies place a code right on their sign up page.
-
Inform your doctor that you will collect your baby’s cord blood.
It will only take your doctor a few minutes to do so after cutting the cord, but this step will not be done unless you request that your doctor does it!
-
Take your cord blood kit to the hospital when you go to delivery your baby.
You will receive this kit by mail from the company you enroll with. Your doctor will use this kit to collect your baby’s cord blood after clipping the umbilical cord.
-
Have the cord blood picked up by courier immediately following delivery.
Be sure to check with your cord blood bank for specifications on this step ahead of time. The companies use special couriers, and they differ in the process of notifying a courier that a kit is ready to be picked up. In some cases, the family calls the cord blood company, and the company notifies the courier to pick up the collection kit. In other cases, the family may need to contact a courier directly. This step is very important! Timely pick up and delivery of the cells is crucial to storing the cells.
Cord blood banks know it is important to make the process as simple as possible, but families should be sure to know the steps of the process ahead of time to maximize their chances of storing stem cells from their newborn’s cord blood.
