Q & A
Like any new topic, especially one related to health, the level of questions rises; we have attempted to compile a collection of the most frequently asked questions here. If you have any additional questions, our cord blood service coordinators are waiting for you.
How is the contract made with the National Cord Blood Center?
It all starts with contacting us. A cord blood service coordinator will answer all questions and accompany you throughout the process.
From the moment you give your consent, there are three forms to be signed: an application to join the cord blood bank, a private cord blood bank agreement, and a consent form explaining the cord blood process.
Afterward, you will be directed to pay via one of the proposed routes.
Once the mother's details have been entered into the system, a cord blood collection kit will be delivered directly to your home.
What do you do with the kit?
We've prepared a short video clip for this question that gives the full answer.
How should we preserve the cord blood - in a public or family (i.e., private) bank?
Everything has its advantages and disadvantages. Here is the primary data that you should know:
| Testing Criteria | Public | Private (Family) |
|---|---|---|
| Who does the blood belong to? | Intended for use by the entire world population anywhere on the globe | For the newborn and his parents (legal guardians) - for his exclusive use, unless his parents decide otherwise |
| Is there a fee for the service? | No | Yes - and it is possible to receive a subsidy and refunds |
| Where and when is the collection carried out? | At specific hours and in a small number of hospitals across the country | In all of the country's hospitals, 24/7 |
| Availability of Use | If necessary, during stem cell transplantation | Immediately |
How are the results of the tests conducted on the cord blood and the mother's blood conveyed?
If the quantity of blood is too small and cannot be processed or if one of the tests is incorrect, a staff member of the National Cord Blood Center will contact you by phone in addition to sending a message by email so that when necessary, the family doctor can be informed regarding further treatment.
What are the requirements for preserving and freezing cord blood?
The requirements established in the private cord blood bank for freezing and preserving a unit are at least 100 million nucleated cells. Should the unit to be collected fail to meet these requirements, the bank must act according to its procedures and the customer's instructions, as agreed upon in advance in the agreement and consent form.
Is there a risk to the newborn and the mother when collecting the cord blood?
There is no danger to the mother and the newborn during cord blood collection. The collection is performed after delivery and following the separation of the placenta. The collected blood is pumped directly from the umbilical cord, and there is no feeling of pain to either the newborn or the mother.
