When exploring the option of cord blood banking, it’s natural to have questions. Often people don’t hear about cord blood banking until they’re expecting a baby, and it’s important to be well informed before making a decision that’s right for your family. That’s why at ViaCord we want you to know that every question is a good question. The more answers you have, the better informed you’ll be. Here are just a few we often hear from expectant parents. We hope you’ll find them helpful!

1.    Will my doctor know how to collect cord blood?
Cord blood collection is a common procedure that most doctors are familiar with. To ensure the collection process goes as smoothly as possible for both you and the delivering doctor, ViaCord provides step-by-step instructions within the cord blood collection kit. In addition, prior to delivery, we’ll notify the doctor in a letter letting him/her know that you’ve chosen to collect your baby’s cord blood. We also recommend that our families personally notify their doctor about their decision to save the cord blood so the doctor has a chance to contact us prior to delivery if there are any questions.

2.    Does cord blood expire?
Like any other cryo-preserved product, if done properly, there is no evidence that it can expire. Dr. Hal Broxmeyer, renowned Microbiologist and Immunologist, has been studying the viability of frozen cord blood units for over 20 years. In 2003, he participated in a research study that demonstrated a cord blood unit can be frozen for at least 15 yrs without loss of cell viability.¹  Recently, he updated this study to show that at the 21-year mark, the cord blood unit was still viable.²

3.    I have a 2 vessel umbilical cord instead of a 3 vessel cord. Can I still collect my baby’s cord blood?
Yes. Cord blood is collected via the umbilical vein and there is only one umbilical vein in either a two or three vessel cord. The umbilical cord is normally made up of 3 vessels: the umbilical vein that delivers blood, nutrients, and oxygen to the baby and two arteries responsible for returning blood and waste back to the placenta. However, in some pregnancies, only one artery exists in the umbilical cord, which is a normal biological variation. So, expecting Moms should know that even with a two vessel cord (one artery and one vein) they can still take advantage of the opportunity to bank their baby’s cord blood.

As you gather information for this important decision keep in mind that cord blood stem cells can help treat nearly 80 life-threatening diseases today. They’re also are offering new hope to families affected by conditions, such as cerebral palsy and type 1 diabetes, that only years ago had no stem cell treatment options. Banking your child’s cord blood simply preserves what would otherwise be discarded.

We encourage you to talk to your OB about cord blood and give us a call with questions you may have – remember, every question is a good question and no question is too big or too small.

References:

1. Source: Hal Broxmeyer et al. PNAS, January 21, 2003, Vol. 100, no. 2 645-650
2. Source: Hal Broxmeyer Cell Stem Cell 6, January 8,
 2010 Will iPS Cells Enhance Therapeutic Applicability of Cord Blood Cells and Banking?, pg 23

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