Basic Concepts

Indeed, it's a wise decision for parents, a proactive measure to secure swift access to stem cell therapy. The landscape of stem cell therapy is advancing rapidly, and banking stem cells ensures readiness for the future.

Opting out means giving up a key source for cure, risk of no / limited therapy access, long uncertain waits, opting for mediocre cures, and higher therapy costs.

Having access to donor stem cells will be a future necessity.

Cord blood is collected after birth, painlessly and non-invasively, after clamping and cutting the umbilical cord. Cord tissue is similarly collected from the remaining cord segment after it has cut and detached from the baby. It is recommended to check if your Obstetrician-Gynecologist / Midwife is trained and experienced in cord blood / tissue collection. If they carry a CBA certification, you can be more confident.

Cord blood and tissue collection when performed correctly, is a gentle and non-invasive procedure that requires no contact with the baby or the mother.

The amount of blood left in the umbilical cord after delayed clamping determines the viability for cord blood collection, most likely it won't be enough. Delayed cord clamping is only recommended in certain situations, not for every child, as evidenced by statements of leading medical bodies. It's best to discuss your decision with your gynecologist beforehand. In most cases, delayed cord clamping and cord blood collection are not compatible.

After collection, using a special kit provided by your cord blood bank, the bank will arrange for pickup and transport to their facility for processing and storage. Typically, the bank will send you confirmation of successful storage within 3-4 weeks. If there is an issue, the bank will contact you to discuss the next steps and how to proceed.

This is usually straightforward. Please contact your cord blood bank—they will coordinate with the transplant physician, manage the required documentation, and ensure timelines are followed. Retrieval involves a set procedure, including specific forms and active involvement from the transplant team. Families who have banked with a UAE-based provider can also contact the Ministry of Health and Prevention for support if needed.

Stem cell transplants treat around 80 medical conditions, and trials are on to validate a few hundred more. Listed below are a few credible sources of this information. Parents are advised to appreciate the difference between and approved treatment and one under evaluation (trial / research):

1. https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/diseases
2. https://www.cb-association.org/indications-for-utilization-of-stored-umbilical-cord-blood
3. https://www.aabb.org/for-donors-patients/cord-blood-other-cell-therapies
4. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/diagnosis-treatment/cancer-treatments/blood-bone-marrow-stem-cell-transplants/transplantation-process/diseases-treated

The probability of being diagnosed with a disease that is treatable by cord blood stem cells today is 5%. As stem cell therapies continue to gain approval for additional disorders, this likelihood is expected to rise. Currently, this probability is based on the approved list of 80 therapies, which affect around 5% of the global population.

Stem cell banking is clearly beneficial for families with a medical history, but that doesn’t mean others shouldn’t consider it. Many conditions can go undiagnosed or develop later in life—and with treatments evolving rapidly, no one can predict what stem cells might help treat some years from now.

A child’s cord blood stem cells can potentially be used by the child, siblings, and in some cases, parents or extended family members—depending on genetic match and medical need. Although the child is a 100% match to their own cord blood, most conditions treatable as of 2025 require donor stem cells, making a matched sibling the more likely beneficiary. However, with half-matched (haploidentical) cord blood transplants now being explored, their success could open new possibilities—giving parents greater assurance that their child’s cord blood may benefit the entire family in the future.

When it comes to storing cord and placental tissue for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), it's important to understand that while MSCs have shown promise in early research, these therapies are still experimental and not widely approved. The clinical need for storing these tissues is currently limited.

There are already off-the-shelf MSC products available, and while there may be a small risk of immune rejection, these products are a proven alternative.

Storing cord blood for its blood-forming stem cells is well-supported by science, but placental tissue banking doesn’t offer any significant additional benefits. The potential of MSCs is still uncertain, and the marketing around it is often overhyped. It’s best to base decisions on current evidence and expert advice.

To choose a cord blood bank based on scientific merit, here’s what you should specifically look for:

Accreditation
Ensure the bank is accredited by reputable organizations like AABB, FACT, or ISO-certified. These certifications indicate that the bank meets international standards for quality and safety.

Processing Methods
Look for a bank that uses proven, industry-standard methods like automated processing or cryopreservation to ensure the highest viability of the stem cells. Ensure they collect a sufficient volume of blood to meet transplant needs.

Track Record
Check how long the bank has been in operation and whether they have a history of successful transplants or collaborations with reputable medical institutions. The more experience, the more likely they follow best practices.

Transparency
Choose a bank that is open about its procedures, costs, and storage methods in its service agreement. Avoid those that make exaggerated claims or offer vague details about their technology and services. They should be clear about risks and limitations.

Costs
Get a detailed breakdown of fees, including initial storage, annual storage fees, and any additional charges. Avoid hidden fees or contracts with unclear terms. The price should be competitive and transparent.

Ownership

Prefer government-owned or government-backed banks, or those owned by publicly listed multinational companies, as they are more likely to offer long-term stability, financial security, and regulated oversight, ensuring the safety of your child’s cord blood.

Public cord blood banking involves donating your baby's cord blood to a shared, public bank where it can be used by anyone in need of a stem cell transplant. It's free and can help save lives, but you won't have access to it if your family needs it later.

Private cord blood banking, on the other hand, allows you to store your baby's cord blood for exclusive use by your family. It offers peace of mind, but comes with a cost for collection, processing, and storage. The decision depends on your personal preferences, medical history, and long-term needs.