HOLIDAY CLOSURES

SIU Medicine clinics will be closed Dec. 24–25, Dec. 31, and Jan. 1. Most clinics will remain open Dec. 26, 29, and 30. SIU Medicine Express Care | Springfield will be open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Search Site close Close
blog-cord-blood
Blog

Cord blood awareness month: What is cord blood banking?

Published Date:
Profile picture for Terah Holland
Terah Holland

July is National Cord Blood Awareness Month and we’re celebrating by spreading the word about cord blood. 

What is cord blood banking?

Cord blood banking is the process of collecting blood from the umbilical cord after the baby is delivered.  This blood is collected into a kit provided by the cord blood banking company.  Your obstetrician performs the collection.  It is collected from the umbilical cord after the umbilical cord is cut.  There is no harm or pain caused to the baby or the mother.   

In order for parents to have cord blood banking performed, they would need to order the kit from the cord blood bank and bring it with them to the hospital for delivery.  They should discuss it with their obstetrician beforehand so that appropriate preparations can be made and questions answered.  There are several companies that provide cord blood banking. 

There are public and private banks.  We recommend the use of a public bank. In a public bank, the umbilical cord blood could be used by other families that have a child who needs an umbilical cord blood transplant.  In a private bank it can only be used by the family who collected it.  There is a much higher chance of it being used to help someone in a public bank.  A public bank is less expensive and there may be no long-term cost.  In a private bank a family would need to be pay a yearly fee for storage of the blood.  

We routinely perform delayed cord clamping for the benefit of baby.  In delayed cord clamping there may be less blood available for banking but it is still possible to collect enough to be used for banking. 

Umbilical cord blood can be used for hereditary metabolic disorders, blood malignancies or cancers, and genetic disorders of the blood and immune system.  It cannot be used on the child from which it was collected because the cord blood would contain the same genetic abnormalities or malignancies that are being treated.  Therefore, it could be used on siblings or other family members if stored in a private bank or for other children from other families if stored in a public bank.

If you have more questions about cord blood banking, call SIU Medicine at 217-545-8000 to set up an appointment with an obstetrician.

More from SIU Blog

headache

Understanding POTS: When standing makes the heart race

Ever rolled out of bed, stood up and had to sit right back down because of dizziness, blurry vision or a racing heartbeat? For people with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, that moment isn’t just occasional—it’s a daily challenge.
resolution

A healthier you starts with primary care

As the new year approaches, millions of people make resolutions to eat healthier, exercise more or ditch that lingering, unhealthy habit. Maybe this is the year to finally quit smoking or cut back on red meat. Learn how SIU Medicine can help you achieve your goals.
winter skin

Cold weather healthy habits

Cold weather can take a toll on your body, from dry, cracked skin to irritated airways and a greater risk of seasonal illnesses. Lower humidity and more time spent indoors make it especially important to take care of your skin, respiratory health and overall wellness. Simple habits like moisturizing, protecting your skin from the cold, staying hydrated and keeping current with vaccines can make all the difference.