Umbilical Cord Blood Donation

Cord blood contains stem cells. These special cells can create new blood cells and transform into different kinds of cells.

After the baby is delivered and separated from the umbilical cord and placenta, the cord blood is collected in a donation bag. A needle is inserted into the cord, and the blood is drained into a collection bag. There’s no harm to you or your baby.

Yes, cord blood can be collected with both vaginal and cesarean deliveries.

Cord blood donations that are sent for research maintain minimal information attached to them. We label the blood with day of week and month/time/weight of collection, gestational age, maternal age, diabetes status, COVID-19 status, sex of baby, or infection presence. Under HIPAA, we need your permission to collect this information.

The Medical School and other research affiliates are unable to determine the identity of the cord blood donor with the provided information. The lack of personal health information documented allows the process to be completed with just verbal consent.

Cord blood is not collected without your permission. A member of the research staff or your health care team will discuss the process and obtain your consent prior to delivery.

Cord blood collected and sent for research has only minimal information attached to it, so it cannot be connected back to the parent or child. By donating, parents are aiding in research to find answers that can positively impact the health of everyone.

Patients who are not eligible to donate cord blood include:

• Under the age of 18
• Have a history of hepatitis B or C, or HIV
• Have an active infection
• Have Type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes requiring insulin

This information is reviewed before you consent to the cord blood donation.