Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cord Blood Banking?
Cord blood storage is the collection of a newborn’s umbilical cord blood and subsequent freezing. This freezing process is called cryopreservation.
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How is Cord Blood Collected?
After the baby is born a needle is inserted into the umbilical cord where the blood is drawn out. After the collection, the blood will then be processed, tested, and then frozen. Blood from the baby¹s cord will then be kept indefinitely at CellFreeze’s state-of-the-art laboratory.
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Is Obtaining Cord Blood Painful?
There is absolutely no pain to you or your baby as the sample is drawn. Cord blood is retrieved from the placenta and umbilical cord after it has been cut, preventing any pain, discomfort, or harm
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Are There Any Health Risks To Obtaining Cord Blood?
There is absolutely no risk to obtaining cord blood. Your healthcare practitioner (Ob/Gyn, midwife, etc.) will always ensure you and your baby’s health and safety at delivery first, and then proceed to collecting cord blood. On occasion a sample cannot be obtained due to the needs of the mother or the baby but that doesn’t happen very often.
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How Long Can Cord Blood Cells Be Stored?
According to published research blood-forming stem cells stored up to 16 years can be used in transplants. Research also indicates that stem cells slow-rate frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen are viable for an indefinite period.
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Is Collection Amount Important?
Yes, research has shown that larger stem cell samples have a better survival rate in transplant.
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What Happens If I Need the Frozen Sample?
Upon appropriate notification from a treating physician, CellFreeze will process the cord blood sample for use within 48 hours.
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Can I Donate My Baby’s Cord Blood?
Absolutely! Cord blood donations are used for ongoing research into disease treatment and for use by other people requiring treatment.
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Is Cord Blood Banking Expensive?
CellFreeze cord blood banking fees are among some of the lowest in the nation. Discounts are available for early registration and multiple births.
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Should I Save Cord Blood For All My Children?
Just as each child is genetically unique, so is that child's cord blood stem cell sample. Parents save cord blood for each of their children to ensure that an exact genetic match is available. In addition, it increases the likelihood of a useful match between family members. Also CellFreeze offers discounts for multiple births.
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How Do I Sign Up?
There are multiple ways to enroll including online (Order Kit Now!) and via telephone at 702-496-5425. After you purchase a kit, you will need to let your doctor or midwife know of your plans to bank your baby’s cord blood.
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What Happens When I Go Into Labor?
As your delivery date approaches, pack your CellFreeze Cord Blood Bank collection kit with your personal items. When you get to the hospital or delivery center, give the kit to the labor and delivery nurse or doctor for appropriate collection set-up. It is, however, your responsibility to get the sample to our facility unless prior arrangements have been made. This allows convenience for you and keeps fees affordable for most couples.