StemLife Baby

Collecting Cord Blood Stem Cells

1. Is cord blood collection new?
2. When is the cord blood collected?
3. How many doctors have collected for StemLife?
4. Is there any risk to my child or myself during collection?
5. Does the hospital need to provide any materials for collection?
6. How many cells are usually collected in my baby’s cord blood?
7. What is the number of cells needed in a stem cell transplant?

Shipping and Handling of Cord Blood

1. Who will ship my baby’s cord blood to the laboratory?
2. Are there any extra charges if I deliver my baby on weekend?
3. How is the cord blood shipped?
4. How long will my baby’s stem cell remain viable in the kit after collection?
5. Do my baby’s stem cells have to be kept at room temperature before shipping?
6. What if I do not live in Malaysia?

How To Enroll?

1. How do I enroll with StemLife to bank my baby’s cord blood stem cells?
2. How much does it cost to bank my baby’s cord blood stem cells?
3. When should I enroll with StemLife?
4. Will my doctor charge for the collection of cord blood?

Collecting Cord Blood Stem Cells

Is cord blood collection new?
Not anymore. The first cord blood transplant was performed in 1988. Since then, more than 6,000 transplants have occurred and many cord blood stem cells units banked.

The opportunity for expectant families to collect and store their newborn’s umbilical cord blood stem cells has only been widely available since the late 1995. Currently, thousands of parents are taking advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

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When is the cord blood collected?
Cord blood is collected from the umbilical cord immediately after the birth (normal delivery or caesarean section) of the baby and after the cord has been cut. This blood is routinely discarded and collecting it does not alter normal birthing procedures. The collection can only take place at the time of delivery and is normally performed by your doctor.

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How many doctors have collected for StemLife?
More than 400 doctors have collected for our clients at more than 150 hospitals and medical centers throughout Malaysia and Asian countries. We have provided extensive educational resources and training to first-time collecting doctors, midwives and hospitals to ensure a simple and effective collection.

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Is there any risk to my child or myself during collection?
No. The cord blood is collected after your baby has been born and the umbilical cord has been clamped and cut. The cord blood that is collected is blood that would routinely be thrown away. The collection is painless, easy and safe for mother and baby. Your caregiver will not alter their normal birthing process in any way, except to collect your baby’s cord blood. The average time for cord blood collection is about 5 minutes.

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Does the hospital need to provide any materials for collection?
No. You will receive a collection kit for your baby’s cord blood stem cells. Your kit contains all the items your doctor will need to collect our baby’s cord blood. However, you must remember to take the kit with you to the hospital when you deliver.

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How many cells are usually collected in my baby’s cord blood?
The average amount of collection is about 500-800 million cells, however, this tend to vary depending on factors such as weight of the baby, health of the mother, size and length of the cord and whether there are any emergencies.

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What is the number of cells needed in a stem cell transplant?
The number of cells needed in a transplant has varied but at least 20 million nucleated cells per kg of body weight of recipient is desirable.

Therefore, example of a unit containing 500 million nucleated cells should be sufficient for treating a 25kg child.

However, it is important to note that this is only a guideline and is an estimate; the number of stem cells required for therapy will depend on the treatment regimen and your treating doctor.

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Shipping and Handling of Cord Blood

Who will ship my baby’s cord blood to the laboratory?
Within Malaysia, a StemLife logistic representative will arrange transport for the cord blood unit to StemLife’s laboratory within 24 hours after collecting of the cord blood.

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Are there any extra charges if I deliver my baby on weekend?
An extra of RM300 for personal flight handling will only be charged to shipping of cord blood on weekend and public holidays in East Malaysia.

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How is the cord blood shipped?
StemLife personnel will collect the cord blood collection kit from your hospital and ship the cord blood in a specially made cool shipper for transportation to StemLife laboratory.

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How long will my baby’s stem cell remain viable in the kit after collection?
Cord blood stem cells are optimal if they are received within 24 hours after delivery. However, under special shipment conditions, stem cells are viable up to 48 hours. StemLife ensures that your baby’s stem cells are delivered timely to our lab.

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Do my baby’s stem cells have to be kept at room temperature before shipping?
Yes, the cells should be kept at room temperature. Not surprisingly, stem cells are from the blood and it is preferable to keep it at body temperature. Never refrigerate the kit, expose it to freezing temperatures or extreme heat.

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What if I do not live in Malaysia?
We proudly serve clients in nearly all countries around the world. If you are delivering outside Malaysia, please call us at +603-2163 8800 or +6012-205 0165 (24 hours) to arrange personalized handling of your baby’s stem cells by our international logistics team.

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How To Enroll?

How do I enroll with StemLife to bank my baby’s cord blood stem cells?
Enrollment is quick and easy. Just call us at +603-2163 8800 or +6012-205 0165 (24 hours) to talk to a customer representative.

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How much does it cost to bank my baby’s cord blood stem cells?

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When should I enroll with StemLife?
Half of all babies arrive before their due date, so it is best to decide early. You have just one opportunity to bank your baby’s cord blood stem cells, so we strongly recommend making the decision during your second trimester if possible. However, it is never too late in your pregnancy to enroll, so please call us before your doctor cuts the cord!

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Will my doctor charge for the collection of cord blood?
Like any service, a small procedure fee may be charged to ensure that your baby’s cord blood is collected.

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