Frequently Asked Questions
I am interested in donating my cord blood toward research through BPCBR. Where do I begin?
Please contact the Binns Program for Cord Blood Research team to begin the process via our website or call (650) 725-9705. You can also notify your nurse when you are admitted to Labor and Delivery.
Are there any risks associated with cord blood donation?
No. Because the collection takes place after your baby is born and the cord is cut, and only involves blood contained within the cord and placenta that would otherwise be discarded, there are no risks or discomforts to either mother or baby due to cord blood donation.
Will there be additional people in the delivery room at the time of collection?
No. Your family, your obstetric provider (who performs the collection) and the other members of your primary medical team are the only people who will be present at this time.
If my baby needs a cord blood transplant in the future, will we have access to the blood we donated through BPCBR?
No. By donating your cord blood through BPCBR, you are making a donation for the public good, and will not retain rights to the cord blood. Donated cord blood is processed within one day after collection and provided to requesting researchers almost immediately, thus becoming inaccessible to the donor.