Why do I need to give a maternal sample for cord blood banking?

The cord blood, which is collected from the baby after the umbilical cord is cut, contains stem cells that can be used in medical treatments. These stem cells have the ability to regenerate and develop into different types of cells in the body, which makes them a valuable resource for treating a variety of diseases and conditions.

However, before the cord blood can be processed and cryopreserved for potential future use, it must first be tested to ensure that it is free of any genetic disorders or infections that could be passed on to a patient. This is where the maternal sample comes into play.

The maternal sample is tested to check for certain genetic disorders and infections, such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, and cytomegalovirus (CMV). If the test results are normal, it indicates that the cord blood is likely to be healthy and suitable for use in medical treatments.

Once the cord blood has been collected and tested by Anja Health’s lab experts, it can be stored in Anja’s cord blood bank for potential future use. Our lab is responsible for maintaining the quality of the stored cord blood and making it available for use in medical treatments when needed.

The use of cord blood in medical treatments is still relatively new, but it has already shown promising results in treating a variety of diseases and conditions, such as leukemia, anemia, and certain immune disorders. In the future, it is possible that cord blood will be used to treat an even wider range of diseases and conditions.

Overall, the maternal sample for cord blood banking plays a crucial role in ensuring that the cord blood collected from a baby is healthy and suitable for use in medical treatments. By testing the maternal sample, doctors and medical professionals can ensure that the cord blood is free of any genetic disorders or infections that could potentially be harmful to a patient.

What's the Maternal Blood Draw All About?

The maternal blood draw is a necessary step that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires for all cord blood banking companies. It involves taking a small sample of the mom's blood to test for infectious diseases. These tests cover things like Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus Types 1 and 2 (AIDS), Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Types I/II (HTLV I/II), and Syphilis. These tests ensure the safety and quality of the collected cord blood for your little one.

When Should You Get the Maternal Blood Draw?

Timing is everything! To get accurate results, the maternal blood draw should happen after you're admitted to the hospital for delivery, ideally within two hours before or after the baby arrives. It's important to squeeze it in before any intravenous (IV) fluids are given. Just give the admissions or medical staff a heads-up about saving your baby's cord blood, and they'll make sure to include the maternal blood draw sample in the Collection Kit alongside your baby's cord blood. Easy peasy!

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