Collecting your baby's cord blood
Collecting your baby's cord blood FAQs
How long has cord blood been collected for?
The first cord blood transplant was performed in 1988. Since then, more than 4,000 transplants have occurred
Worldwide.

When is my baby’s cord blood collected?
Cord blood is collected from the umbilical cord at birth, immediately after your baby has been safely delivered.
The cord blood is only collected once the umbilical cord has been clamped and cut. This blood is routinely discarded and collecting it does not alter normal birthing procedures. The collection can only take place at the time of delivery and is normally performed by your delivering physician/midwife.

How is my baby’s cord blood collected?
Our goal at CBBC is to help your physician/midwife collect as much cord blood as possible for your family.

Is collection amount important?
Yes. Larger stem cell samples have shown better survival rate in transplant. The actual amount collected is becoming less important with the increased development of stem cell expansion technologies. It is most important to have a stem Cell store available.

Is there any risk to my child or myself during collection?
No. The cord blood is collected after your baby has been safely delivered and once the umbilical cord has been clamped and cut. The cord blood that is being collected is blood that would otherwise be discarded. The collection is painless, easy, and safe for mother and baby. Your delivering physician/midwife will not alter their normal birthing process in any way, except to collect your baby's cord blood. Cord blood collection takes about 5 minutes.

Does the hospital need to provide any materials for collection?
No. You will receive a personalized collection kit for your baby's cord blood. Your kit contains all the items your delivering physician/midwife will need in order to collect your baby's cord blood. You must however, remember to take the kit with you to the hospital when you deliver.

How does a C-section affect the collection process?
C-section collections are drawn directly from the umbilical cord. Your delivering physician/midwife can deliver the placenta into a sterile tray and then draw from the fetal side of the placenta. Studies comparing vaginal vs. cesarean delivery show that the collection volumes are comparable.

Cord Blood Bank of Canada :: 7030 Woodbine Avenue, #500 Markham, Ontario L3R 6G2 ::(905) 943-4933 EST
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