Frequently Asked Questions
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How are stem cells obtained from the umbilical cord? After the birth of the baby the umbilical cord is clamped and separated from the baby. The attending physician or nurse/midwife will then draw the blood from the umbilical cord after delivering the placenta. The blood is obtained painlessly and risk free by inserting a needle into the umbilical vein after cleansing the umbilical cord. The blood drains into a cord blood collection bag by gravity. The procedure is non-invasive and painless, unlike bone marrow donations which require general anesthesia and a recovery period. The sample is then transported to an AABB (American Association of Blood Banks) accredited facility where laboratory technicians process and store the cord blood stem cells in liquid nitrogen where it has an undetermined lifespan.
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