Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after a baby is born. It can be collected right after birth through a simple process that does not harm mother or baby.

2. What is cord blood?
Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after a baby
is born.
It can be collected right after birth through a simple process that does not harm
mother or baby.

3. Advantages of cord blood
Cord blood contains haematopoietic blood stem cells (HSCs).
HSCs maintain the production of blood for as long as we live.
They can differentiate into cells found in the immune system, and any type of blood
cell - white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
HSCs from cord blood reduce the risk of immune rejections, such as graft-versus-
host disease.

4. Application of cord blood cells
Cord blood cells have helped in the management of several life-threatening and
lifestyle diseases, such as:
● Leukaemia (blood cancer)
● Thalassaemia
● Sickle cell anemia
● Type 1 Diabetes
● Bone marrow failure
● Neuroblastoma
● Cerebral palsy
● Immune disorders
● Metabolic disorders
● Genetic disorders

5. How are cord blood cells collected?
When the umbilical cord is cut or clamped at the time of birth, an obstetrician-
gynaecologist (Ob-Gyn) or qualified hospital staff will draw blood from the cord with
a needle that has a sterile bag attached to its end.
It is just a 10 minute procedure.

6. Optimal conditions for cord clamping
● Non-traumatic birth
● Mother does not have HIV-Aids, HBV hemophilia, cancer, or any other life-
threatening/immune disorders
● Mother does not have Hep B or Hep C, nor has she had contact with anybody with
Hep B or Hep C in the preceding 12 months
● Mother has not had any tattoos or body piercings done in the preceding 12 months
● Mother has not contracted any STDs in the preceding 12 months
● Mother does not have any contagious viral infection at the time of cord blood
collection
● Mother has not traveled to certain high risk countries in the last 5 years
● Neither parent has a family history of blood cancer, immune deficiency, or any other
genetic condition that can be passed on to the newborn
● Newborn’s sibling(s) does not have blood cancer, immune deficiency or any other
genetic condition

7. Delayed cord clamping
It is important to discuss your birth plan with your Ob-Gyn and understand the merits
of delayed cord clamping (DCC) and cord blood banking.
DCC involves a waiting period from anywhere between 1 and 3 minutes or until the
umbilical cord stops pulsating.
While cord blood banking has umpteen benefits, DCC offers the following benefits:
● Reduces the need for blood transfusion
● Lowers chances of necrotizing enterocolitis
● Lowers risk of intraventricular hemorrhage
● Improves cardiovascular circulation
● Fosters better brain development
● Improves iron levels (reduced risk of anemia)
● Improves immune function

8. Cord blood banking in India
The Central Drug Standards Controlling Organization (CDSCO) provides licenses
and monitors Umbilical Cord Blood banks (UCB).

9. Donate your baby’s cord blood cells
Did you know, research indicates that it is highly unlikely that your little one may
never need their cord blood? :)
Why then, do we still recommend cord blood banking?
Because your child’s cord blood has the potential to save many lives.
In 1988, the world’s first successful cord blood stem cell transplant recipient was a
little boy with a genetic and potentially life-threatening type of anemia. The child’s
life was saved with donor cord blood cells!

10. If you’d like to know more about cord blood cell banking and transplantation, do
reach out to us on the following numbers:
WhatsApp +91 89048 42087
Call +91 78159 64668 (Hyderabad) | +91 82299 99888 (Bangalore)