Commercial umbilical cord blood banking

Commercial umbilical cord blood banking is a service (paid for directly by the client to a commercial company) for harvesting and storage of stem cells collected at the time of birth.

This is advertised as “an insurance against any future health problems their children may develop or the storing of a spare immune system for their children” (RCM, 2007). The cost of this service to parents is up to £1500.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (2006) state that there is insufficient evidence to recommend, at this time, routine commercial cord blood collection, stem cell harvesting and storage. Both the Royal College of Midwives (2007) and the RCOG do support public sector cord blood banking.

There have been lengthy discussions locally (following information gathering from heads of midwifery across Scotland and from the Scottish Government) and as a result it has been agreed that midwives WILL NOT undertake the collection of cord blood for commercial bank purposes. It is, however, your right to collect any samples you wish yourself or to use a phlebotomist (someone trained in blood sample collection) who may be available through the cord blood banking company.

We will keep you updated with any developments.