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Donating cord blood

 

Did you know? After a baby is born, the blood left in the umbilical cord and placenta (cord blood) is rich with lifesaving blood stem cells.

Like bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell donation, donated cord blood can also treat over 80 diseases and disorders. We collect and store cord blood for future use by anyone in need of a stem cell transplant.

Join Canada’s Lifeline

Take the cord blood registration questionnaire to confirm your eligibility.

Register to donate cord blood

The collection process starts with registration and a signed Permission to Collect consent form. Donated cord blood is collected immediately after the safe delivery of the baby and placenta/umbilical cord. We do not interfere with the process of labour and delivery.

We encourage you to speak with your physician, midwife or nurse about donating your baby’s cord blood. Ask if they can provide you with information on public cord blood donation during your prenatal visits. Their guidance is important to help you make this important decision. Let them know you are considering donating your baby’s cord blood.

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Cord blood donation eligibility and registration information

We recruit healthy volunteer expectant mothers to donate cord blood at four designated hospitals in Canada. Donors from all ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to donate cord blood. A diverse public cord blood bank means we have better chances of finding a matching donor for a patient in need.

Learn more about cord blood donation eligibility and registration
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How cord blood donation works

Donating cord blood to Canadian Blood Services’ Cord Blood Bank is free, easy and poses no risk to the mother or baby.

Learn more about how cord blood donation works

Safety standards

Safety is our top priority. Canadian Blood Services' Cord Blood Bank follows Health Canada regulations to make sure every cord blood donation is collected safely and effectively.

Learn more about our safety standards

Cord blood for research

Occasionally, cord blood may be used for other purposes such as quality control or process/product improvement. This typically happens when the amount collected is too small or does not meet the criteria.

Learn more about cord blood for research

Cord blood FAQs

What happens after my donation? How is my baby’s cord blood used? Are there any risks to me or my baby? What is difference between a public and a private cord blood bank? Read the facts.

Learn more about cord blood FAQs

There are many reasons to join Canada’s Lifeline

If every donor in Canada encourages a family member, friend or colleague to join Canada's Lifeline, just imagine the impact it could have on patients across Canada. Get inspired, become a donor and share your reason.