A: These cells are "progenitor" cells of the blood system. They have the potential to develop into more specialized cells, and differentiate into all the components of the blood and immune system.

Who should consider umbilical cord blood banking?

A: All expectant parents should be made aware of the option to bank their baby's own umbilical cord stem cells. After learning the facts, and determining if a family history may warrant future stem cell therapy, the couple can then decide if cord blood storage is right for them. Some may choose to store their cord blood with no apparent risk factors, preferring to have it readily available for future use if needed. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that will no longer exist once the baby is born.

What assurances do I have that Cells for Life is performing to industry standards?

A: Cells for Life is one of only a few AABB-accredited facilities in the country.

We adhere to the highest Canadian industry standards including Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Management Practice (GMP), regarding the handling and processing of blood samples. Samples are routinely screened for pathogens prior to cryopreservation.

How is the cord blood stored?

A: Cells are stored in dual compartment bags and kept frozen in liquid nitrogen tanks at-196°C. Each tank has an alarm system in place to ensure that the proper volume and temperature is maintained at all times.

Should parents consider storing for a 2nd or 3rd child?

A: Yes. Even though the cord blood from a 1st child has a good chance of being used by a sibling, there is still a chance that there will not be an acceptable match. By storing cord blood for each child, parents are assured an exact match of stem cells for each child.

How long can umbilical cord stem cells be kept frozen?

A: Many years and possibly for the life time of the baby. Current research has shown stem cells to be viable for at least 15 years from the time of freezing.

Does Cells for Life conduct any research with stem cells?

A: No. Cells for Life acts only as a processing and storing facility.

Who has access to the frozen cord blood?

A: Cells for Life is a private facility. Parents have sole ownership of the stem cells until the child is 18 years of age, at which time, the cells become the property of the child. No other couples or individuals have access to your stem cells.

How many cord blood transplants have taken place?

A: As of 2004, thousands of cord blood transplants have been performed successfully.

What is the minimum volume of cord blood needed for cord blood banking?

A: The total weight of the collection bag including the blood sample should be 100g or more However, the greater the volume of cord blood, the higher the number of stem cells collected. If a smaller volume of cord blood is obtained, viable stem cells may still be recovered for future use. Patients are notified if there is a sub-optimal amount of cord blood obtained, and it is their option to process or discard the sample.

What are the possible future uses for umbilical cord blood stem cells?

A: Encouraging research is taking place in many areas of medicine. Stem cell research into diseases such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, lupus, diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's disease, muscular dystrophy and other autoimmune diseases have all shown promising results. Research has been based on the plasticity of stem cells and the potential to direct them into other cell types, such as heart, nerve, liver and pancreas cells. Research has also suggested the body has the ability to direct cord blood stem cells into damaged or diseased organs where a repair and regeneration process takes place.

How late can I register for the Cells for Life program?

A: Unlike other facilities, we are able to register clients right up to the last minute. You may pick up your collection kit or we can courier it to you (courier charges apply).

Kits can be sent and received on a same-day basis in the Greater Toronto Region and they can usually be sent out for next day delivery (weekdays only) to other regions of Canada. International couriers will take longer but can be arranged.

Ideally, clients should register prior to 35 weeks gestation so that they are ready with their kit when the first labour pains begin.