Cord Blood Banking Process

Question:
How does the process work before and after my baby is born?

Answer:

1. Enroll
2. Take the Collection Kit to the Hospital
3. Cord Blood Collection
4. Notify Courier Within 2 Hours of Collection
5. Processing, Testing and Storage

1. Enroll

Enrolling with Family Cord Blood Services is very simple. Call our toll free number at 800-490-CORD (2673), fill out our online enrollment form, or download the Enrollment Packet. A $150 deposit is due at the time of enrollment in order to cover the cost of enrollment and the collection kit. The rest is not due until after your baby's cord blood is processed and stored. You will receive your cord blood collection kit in 2 business days after your Enrollment Packet has been received. In addition, Family Cord Blood Services provides your physician with written instructions and a training video once you enroll in our program. Although same-day enrollments are usually possible, we recommend that you enroll at least 4 weeks before your due date.

2. Take the Collection Kit to the Hospital

We recommend you keep your collection kit with your hospital luggage as a reminder to bring the collection kit with you to the hospital. Your baby’s cord blood collection kit contains everything the childbirth professional will need for the collection along with detailed instructions.

3. Collection (done by your childbirth professional)

The physician, nurse, or midwife will perform the collection after your baby has been delivered. He or she will collect the umbilical cord blood in a special blood bag and place it in our uniquely designed collection kit.

4. Notify Courier Within 2 Hours of Collection

After the collection has been completed, the physician or labor and delivery staff will return the collection kit to you. We recommend that you designate a friend or family member to notify the courier within 2 hours of the collection. Family Cord Blood Services has contracted with AirNet Express, a specialized medical courier, to pick-up your cord blood at your hospital room 24/7. All you have to do is make one call to AirNet (the toll free number is printed on the collection kit).

5. Processing, Testing and Storage (done by Family Cord Blood Services)

The cord blood must be processed with 48 hours of collection. Once received in our laboratory, your baby’s cord blood will be immediately tested, processed, and finally stored. Family Cord Blood Services will contact you by phone after the unit is stored to inform you of the status of your cord blood. A preliminary report will be sent within days of processing and a complete report and certificate of storage will arrive within three to four weeks.