Cord Blood Registry
A cord blood registry is a medical facility where you can register your intention to store your baby's umbilical cord blood. Private cord blood banking is a thriving and lucrative business and there are many private cord blood registries available; they can be found by doing an online search and asking around for recommendations. The blood stored within a private cord blood bank will only ever be available to you and your family for as long as you continue to pay their storage fees.
However, if you are primarily interested in cord blood donation, then you should get in touch with a public cord blood registry; in the UK you should contact the NHS Cord Blood Bank. After registering on their cord blood registry, once your donated umbilical cord and placenta are collected, the cord blood and stem cells extracted from it will be available for the most suitable recipient, including for your own use if the product is still available when needed. Blood donated to public cord blood banks is collected and stored indefinitely free of charge.
