Collection and Processing FAQ

• How is the cord blood collected?
• Are there any risks involved with umbilical cord blood collection?
• What if my physician or midwife has never collected cord blood before?
• Can you tell me about the shipping process?

How is the cord blood collected?
A physician or midwife inserts a needle into the blood vessel in the umbilical cord. Using gravity, the cord blood flows into a special collection bag approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This special bag contains materials that prevent the blood from clotting. The kit containing the bag will be picked up by our courier and transferred to Xytex Cord Blood Bank for testing, processing and cryopreservation.
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Are there any risks involved with umbilical cord blood collection?
Collection does not interfere with the birth process and does not involve any pain or danger to mother or baby. However, if the delivery becomes complicated, attention is focused on mother and child. Therefore, in these instances, cord blood may or may not be collected.
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What if my physician or midwife has never collected cord blood before?
Cord blood collection is a very simple process using techniques that are quite familiar to medical professionals. Should your doctor have any questions, Xytex Cord Blood Bank is available for support; in addition, Client and Caregiver Instructions are also included in your collection kit.
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Can you tell me about the shipping process?
After the cord blood is collected, there is a 48-hour window in which the cord blood can be processed. The kit containing the collected cord blood, your blood samples and the completed cord blood collection worksheet can be kept and transported at room temperature; there is no need to use dry ice or other coolants. Shipping is handled by either a courier or commercial shipper, and each collection kit includes the appropriate shipping forms. Simply call our shipping coordinator to arrange for pickup and delivery to our lab. Note that for births after midnight, pickup will be scheduled by morning.
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