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What is an HLA test and how is it used?

“HLA” is short for Human Leukocyte Antigens, which are proteins in the immune system that determine whether a patient will react against a donor transplant or if the donor transplant cells will react against the recipient. A very good...

If I have banked for one child, do I need to do it for additional children/siblings?

All the reasons you banked for the first child are still valid for additional children. If you want your baby to have the option of using his/her own cells, then you need to bank them. If you are banking...

Do I need to store the cord blood and tissue stem cells in the country I intend to use it?

No. After cord blood and/or tissue is collected at birth, the samples are delivered, processed, and stored in the Smart Cells UK laboratory. If you ever need the cord blood or tissue for therapy, the product will be shipped...

Why do Smart Cells volume reduce process cord blood before storage?

Most UK and international cord blood banks, both public and private, process cord blood to reduce levels of the plasma and the red cells, and cryo-preserve the remaining buffy coat portion which contains mononuclear cells. This mononuclear cell fraction...

Can I donate my cord blood and tissue stem cells?

Smart Cells offer a fully private storage option for the long-term storage of cord blood and tissue. This service is a paid service and the samples are solely stored for your own private use. If you wish to enquire...

How can stem cells be used in the future?

Stem cells may be used in mainstream transplantation to help treat blood and bone marrow cancers or diseases such as Thalassaemia or sickle cell disease. If the cells being used are autologouse (from the individual for their own use),...

Does my hospital allow me to have stem cells collected?

The majority of maternity hospitals allow Smart Cells to perform this service for you. If you would like to discuss your individual hospital, then please contact the Smart Cells team.

What is delayed cord clamping ?

Delayed cord clamping is a birth practice in which the umbilical cord is not clamped or cut until after pulsations have ceased, or until after a given period of time has elapsed. According to the World Health Organization, delayed...

Can I still delay the clamping of the cord?

Yes, it is possible to delay cord clamping and also collect cord blood provided there is sufficient blood remaining in the umbilical cord while also allowing some of the blood to flow to the baby. The World Health Organisation...

Does it matter if the birth is caesarean section or natural delivery?

No. If you have a Caesarean the collection can take place after the delivery of the placenta, as it would with a natural birth. Either birthing scenario is fine for the collection of cord blood and cord tissue stem...

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