Donate cord blood for research

 

Biomedical research on cord blood increases our knowledge about blood stem cell transplantation practices, as well as processes for collecting, manufacturing, and storing cord blood. In addition, blood stem cells obtained from cord blood are being investigated in the development of new treatments for many diseases. Such stem cell research provides hope for more safe and effective medical therapies in the future. Other biomedical research, which does not relate to blood stem cells, may also be undertaken with cord blood and lead to new discoveries that may improve medical care in the future.​

 

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Register to donate cord blood

 

 

In partnership with our collection site hospitals, Canadian Blood Services’ Cord Blood for Research Program distributes cord blood products that do not meet the criteria for storage in Canadian Blood Services’ Cord Blood Bank to approved research projects. Lay summaries of approved research projects are available to provide information on the type of research supported by the Cord Blood for Research Program. Research projects that promote advances in the field of transfusion, cellular therapies, and transplantation medicine are given priority in the distribution of cord blood products for research. ​

Women who deliver at any of the four collection sites are given the option to consent to donate their baby’s cord blood for biomedical research in the event the cord blood collection does not qualify for transplant. Women considering the research option are provided the research information in their registration package. ​

Canadian Blood Services is committed to supporting research in our partner hospitals in addition to the Cord Blood for Research Program. We work closely with hospital researchers to provide cord blood and/or placenta samples that support research studies that are compatible with cord blood collection. Mothers may be approached by a hospital researcher who will explain the research study and answer any questions. Alternatively, mothers may be asked to participate in research by a hospital researcher who is not associated with the Cord Blood Bank, whether or not she consents to research on the consent form.​

For more information on donating cord blood for research to the Cord Blood for Research Program, please email cordblood@blood.ca or call 1 888 2 DONATE.