Scientists have discovered that cord blood, found in the umbilical cord and placenta after childbirth, is a rich source of blood-forming cells that can be used instead of a bone marrow transplant in children and adults.
A cord blood transplant can offer a greater chance of matching with less risk of infection.
The umbilical cord, placenta and the blood in them have no function after the baby is born and are normally discarded. Therefore, collecting the cord blood after a baby is born, does not affect the mother or the baby in any way. Once this valuable cord blood is collected, it is taken to the BMDI Cord Blood Bank, where it is frozen and stored until it is needed for a life-saving transplant.
The BMDI Cord Blood Bank is an affiliate of AusCord, and is partnered with the Royal Children’s Hospital and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute which is sponsored by Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Statistics
Currently there are over 7,000 cord blood units stored, and 462 children and adults from Australia and overseas have had a second chance of life.
Cord Blood Collection Centres
For further information on the Australian national network of umbilical cord blood banks and hospitals that participate as cord blood collection centres, please contact:
NSW & NT
Australian Cord Blood Bank
Sydney Children’s Hospital
Level 3
Clinical Services Building
High Street
Randwick NSW 2031
Ph. 02 9382 0371
Web: www.sch.edu.au/departments/acbb/
Vic, SA, Tas & WA
BMDI National Cord Blood Bank
Royal Children’s Hospital
Flemington Rd
Parkville VIC 3052
Ph. 03 9345 5834
Email: cord.rch@rch.org.au
Web: www.mcri.edu.au/pages/cordbloodbank/
QLD
Queensland Cord Blood Bank
Level 5
Mater Mothers’ Hospital
Raymond Terrace
South Brisbane QLD 4100
Ph. 07 3163 1614