The following information explains some of the key information about cord blood banking, including:
If you are considering privately banking your cord blood there are some important things you need to know. Here are some key questions we strongly recommend you ask the cord blood bank that you are considering contracting with to collect and store your cord blood.
The HTA licenses both public and private umbilical cord blood banks in the UK.
This section explains the different types of umbilical cord blood banking.
Since 5 July 2008, the HTA has regulated the collection, testing, processing, storage, distribution, import and export of cord blood. In the UK these are ‘licensable activities’ and can only lawfully take place under an HTA licence.
We have created this guide to help parents to make informed choices about cord blood banking. It has been developed through engagement with cord blood experts and centres on our ‘Three key messages about cord blood banking’.
Umbilical cord blood, commonly referred to as ‘cord blood’, is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta following childbirth. Cord blood can be used to treat and cure many life-threatening diseases. Cord blood may be collected at the time of birth and stored, so that it is available for the potential future treatment of the child or another person.
These guides set out your basic rights when dealing with an establishment regulated by the HTA.
The guides also explain how the use of human tissue is regulated in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. This includes who can give consent for different activities, the information you should receive and options for using and disposing of tissue.
There are eight guides in total, each relating to the Codes of Practice we provide to professionals.