Public Umbilical Cord Blood Donation Now Available in Peoria
Posted on September 25th, 2002

For the first time in central Illinois, public umbilical cord blood donation is now available. The University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria is contracting with Cryobanks International, Inc. to allow patients at Methodist Medical Center, OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Pekin Hospital, and Proctor Hospital to donate umbilical cord blood at no charge.

Cord blood, the blood from a newborn’s umbilical cord, is a valuable, but often wasted resource that can provide a substitute for bone marrow in transplantations, and stem cells in cutting-edge research. Obtained after the birth of the baby, the umbilical cord is clamped and separated from the baby. The cord blood is obtained painlessly and risk free by inserting a needle into the umbilical vein after cleansing the umbilical cord. The blood drains into a regular blood collection bag by gravity. The procedure is non-invasive and painless, unlike bone marrow donations that require general anesthesia and a recovery period. The sample is then transported to Cryobanks International Inc., where laboratory technicians process and store the cord blood stem cells in liquid nitrogen. The unit is registered for donation with the Caitlin Raymond International Registry.

Expectant patients should let their obstetrician know they are interested in donating their newborn’s cord blood. Informed consent will be obtained around the 34th week of pregnancy, and the patient will fill out a medical history. Cryobanks International, Inc. will ship the prospective donor a blood collection kit to take to the hospital.

Future uses for human cord blood seem endless. It has been suggested that cord blood stem cells may be used for gene therapy to treat diseases such as AIDS in the future. Cord blood also shows promise for the treatment of metastic cancer through gene therapy whereby defective genes are replaced with functional genes for diseases such Sickle Cell Anemia and Severe Combined Immune Deficiency Syndrome (SCIDS).

Cryobanks International Inc., was founded in 1994 in Altamonte Springs, Florida. Through the cord blood donation program, the Company has built one of the largest single cord blood storage banks in the world. From its office and facilities in Florida, Cryobanks International Inc., has served thousands of clients from all around the world.

Individuals interested in donating or storing cord blood may call (309) 671-8447 for more information.