The process of both donating and privately banking cord blood is relatively simple, but it does require preparation and initiative.
Before your 34th week:
- Decide what is best for your family – donating to a public bank or privately banking.
- Choose and contact a banking organization based on your decision.
- Make necessary collection and transportation arrangements between the hospital and cord blood bank.
- Sign necessary paperwork and return it to the bank. Here you can see eligibility requirements and review a sample medical questionnaire.
- Obtain a cord blood collection kit from the organization with which you’re working.
Before your due date:
- Pack your collection kit in the bag you’re taking to the hospital.
- Review the collection and transportation procedures.
At the hospital:
- Upon arrival make sure your delivery room practitioner is aware of your intention to collect your cord blood.
- Have the nurse or doctor collect the cord blood immediately after birth.
- Task someone to call the company’s courier to pick up the kit.
This step-by-step guide is intended to show the basic procedures to cord blood collection. Please be aware that specific procedures vary from bank to bank. Be sure to consult closely with the bank and your caregivers to determine that everything is done according to the proper protocol.
