Cord Blood Banking

Umbilical cord blood contains stem cells which are immature cells that can grow into many other types of cells. Stem cells collected painlessly from a newborn's umbilical cord can be stored and later used to treat a wide variety of blood, bone, genetic, and immune system diseases in children including lymphoma, leukemia, osteoporosis and sickle-cell anaemia. Research continues to explore the use of stem cells in adults and in the treatment of many other diseases.

If you choose, you can have your baby's umbilical cord blood collected and stored for possible future use by your child or family member, or you can have this cord blood donated for general public use. There is no health risk associated with collection and this process does not interfere with childbirth or your baby's care.

For more information on umbilical cord blood and collecting, storing or donating your baby's cord blood, check out the resources below.

• Canadian Blood Services - Find a clinic, how to donate, and more info about cord blood

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• Government of Canada - Thinking about banking your child’s cord blood?

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• My Health Alberta - Pregnancy: Should i Bank My Baby's Umbilical Cord Blood?

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• Pregnancy Info - Umbilical cord blood

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• The MotHERS Progam - Cord Blood Banking

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• HealthLinkBC - Umbilical Cord Blood Donation and Provate Banking