Umbilical cord blood is useful for research. For example, researchers are investigating the potential of haematopoietic (blood) stem cells in cord blood to become other specialised cells - such as those of the nervous system, or insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The umbilical cord blood used in research comes from consenting mothers undergoing elective Caesarian sections. If the hospital where you are giving birth is involved in any such research, and you are having an elective Caesarian, you may be asked to consent to donating your baby’s cord blood.

Cord blood can also be donated altruistically for clinical use. Since 1989, umbilical cord blood transplants have been regularly used to treat children who suffer from leukaemia, anaemias and other blood diseases. In the UK, several NHS facilities within the National Blood Service harvest and store altruistically donated umbilical cord blood. Trained staff, working separately from those providing care to the mother and newborn child, collect the cord blood.

Cord blood in public banks is available to unrelated patients who need haematopoietic stem cell transplants. The NHS bank also collects and stores umbilical cord blood from children born into families affected by or at risk of a disease for which haematopoietic stem cell transplants may be necessary - either for the child, a sibling or a family member.

Relevant links
NHS Cord Blood Bank - includes comprehensive FAQ on cord blood donation
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists - information for parents on cord blood banking