The number of cord blood banks in Canada is growing, as the benefits of banking umbilical cord blood become better known. Canadians have the option of using a public cord blood bank or a private cord bank.
But What Is It – Cord Blood Banking In Canada?
Umbilical cord blood banking is the storage of the blood taken from the umbilical cord, within minutes of the baby’s birth. Attending medical personnel take the blood from the aorta of the cord after it has been clamped and cut. Cord blood is packed into a special unit, and stored at room temperature for immediate shipment to a blood cord bank.
Here the blood undergoes rigorous testing for infectious disease and contamination. Once both baby’s and mother’s blood is confirmed to be free of problems, a certificate is issued. Hematopoeitic cells are counted and the blood is cryogenically frozen for future use.
The samples are small, approximately 35 milliliters, but the uses are many. These banks are essentially stem cell banks, because stem cells storage is the true purpose. Unlike other cells, the stem cells in the cord blood have not been designed for any specific purpose. They can grow and divide to become any cell in the body. This allows them to repair tissues, organs and blood vessels. These cells also have no immune response experience and are better suited for transplanting.
Tests have shown that the blood can be safely preserved and used for at least 10 years; hence the need for banking cord blood. The blood cord banks have specially trained technicians who run very specific testing to ensure the quality, and safety of the blood. Cord blood banks also have special equipment for the cryopreserving of the cells. All have intense back-up power systems to ensure that temperatures are constantly maintained.
In Canada, blood storage and stemcell banking are regulated by Health Canada. Many private banks also show accreditation from the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) or the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT). They look to these agencies, because associations for cord blood of America have highly regarded international reputations. Umbilical cord banks must follow strict rules and submit to regular inspection for their set-up and operation.
Public cord blood banks are becoming more and more essential as the waiting lists for stem cells from cord blood grow. Canada recently announced the creation of a National Public Umbilical Cord Blood Bank. The Province of Quebec has recognized the need for public blood cord banking, and has had its own Hema-Quebec for many years. Parents in Alberta have had access to umbilical cord banking through the Alberta Cord Blood Bank.
All donations to public cord banks are anonymous, and cord blood banking costs are covered. Parents do not have access to the blood for personal use.
Parents who want to bank cord blood for their own use should contact a private cord blood registry service. The Cord Blood Association of Canada (CBAC), a non-profit organization dedicated to education regarding research and technology for stem cells in cord blood, recommends using a Canadian umbilical cord bank, to ensure that it meets Canadian health standards. There are several registered in major cities across the country. All charge fees for the collection kit, starting at $1000, and separate fees for cord blood storing.