The Lifeforce Cryobanks Mission

To measure our success with every life that is given a second chance through the use of cord blood stem cells.

With over 15 years of experience, Lifeforce Cryobanks is a pioneer in the collection, processing and cryopreservation of both publically donated and privately stored umbilical cord blood (UCB) products. The use of UCB stem cells for transplantation is an accepted and routine practice for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Currently we have over 7500 UCB stem cell units available for unrelated transplant and 2000 privately stored units for personal use. The need for providing safe quality units has significantly increased each year. Unfortunately, the majority of UCB stem cells are discarded as medical waste because the expecting parents are unaware of their options for providing these potentially lifesaving cells. Educating the public is essential in meeting the demand for quality cord blood units. As a leader in the industry, Lifeforce Cryobanks is taking the initiative to increase awareness by working with recruitment partners, such as Kids Beating Cancer, local physicians, midwives and maternity organizations.

Lifeforce Cryobanks is registered with the FDA and one of a select number of cord banks accredited by The AABB and The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP). Our Scientific Committee is comprised of leaders in research and transfusion practices. In addition, Lifeforce Cryobanks works with the international organizations, listed below, which are focused on UCB stem cells. We strive to meet and exceed customer’s expectation and remains in the forefront of the industry.

• World Marrow Donor Association 
  
• International Cord Blood Society
  
• World Marrow Donor Association
  
• American Association of Tissue Banks
  
• American Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation
  
• American Society for Quality
  

Some interesting facts:

• The first UCB stem cell transplant occurred in 1988. UCB stem cells are a routine and excepted practice in the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
• UCB stem cells are NOT the same as embryonic stem cells. UCB cells are from taken from the cord after the child’s birth and not from an unborn embryo.
• Stem cell types are inherited; patients are more likely to match someone who shares their racial or ethnic heritage. Patients from racially or ethnically diverse communities can have a harder time finding a match for transplant.
• UCB stem cell collection is painless and has absolutely no risk to the donor, unlike bone marrow or apheresis stem cell collections.
• Transplants from UCB stem cells have a much lower recipient rejection rate in comparison to bone marrow or apheresis stem cell transplants.
• Unlike other stem cells, UCB stem cells are immediately available to a transplant recipient. Turnaround time can be less than 48 hours from the time of the request to receipt by the transplant facility. Other stem cell collection methods can take weeks and sometimes months depending on the donor’s health and availability.
• Current FDA approved research trials are being done for the treatment of brain injury, cerebral palsy and Type-1 diabetes.

Does it hurt my baby or me?

No, Cord blood collection is non-invasive and painless to both the mother and baby. Cord blood collection only takes place after a successful delivery has been accomplished.

Step-by-Step process

1. Immediately after the cord blood unit is received, the unit and all the documentation is carefully reviewed.
   
2. Once all requirements of the collection are met and confirmed the unit begins to be processed.
3. To ensure your privacy is protected, a unique identification number is assigned to the collection. From this point the only identification of the collection will be the unit ID number.
4. Using FDA and AABB approved processing methods, reagents are added to the unit to separate the different parts of the cord blood (Plasma, Red and White Cells)
5. The stem cells are part of the white cells (WBC), so the plasma and red cells are removed and the WBC is transfer to a bag specifically designed for cryopreservation.
6. A cryopreservation solution is added to prevent the precious cells from damage while frozen.
7. The stem cell unit is than placed in a monitored liquid nitrogen vapor tank and maintained at ≤ -1500C until requested for transplant.
8. The blood is tested for any potential transfusable diseases and to identify the HLA type (the stem cell identifiers).
9. Once all testing is complete and the unit ID is deemed acceptable the HLA type is entered into the NMDP registry database and posted for search by any transplant facility.
10. If requested for transplant the unit documentation and all testing results are reviewed by our Medical Director to confirm the unit’s type and safety.
11. Within 24 hours of receiving the request, the unit is shipped to the transplant facility using specialized shipping containers, which monitor the temperature throughout the delivery.

How much does it cost?

There are no fees associated with the enrollment, collection, processing, storage or shipping of a donated cord blood stem cell.

Can I go to any Hospital?

Lifeforce Cryobanks is one of a limited number of cord banks that will accept collections from anywhere in North America. The only requirement is the collection facility must be accredited by either TJC or HFAP. Home deliveries are also acceptable if performed by a certified midwife.What are my options for cord blood collection?

1. The cord blood can be discarded at the hospital as medical waste.
2. The cord blood can be donated for placement on a national registry for potential unrelated transplant.
3. The cord blood can be privately stored for use by the child or a loved one in the future.

How do I donate?

Donating cord blood is a simple process:

1. Contact Lifeforce Cryobanks Client Services Department at 800-869-8608 or via the internet at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
2. Health History Questionnaire and Donation Consents will be forwarded to you for completion. Enrollment forms are also available on our web site www.lifeforcecryobanks.com
3. Complete the documentation, including your physician’s signature consenting to perform the collection.
4. Forward completed documentation to Lifeforce Cryobanks.
5. Once all documentation is received and reviewed, you will be contacted by Lifeforce Cryobanks to confirm your enrollment and answer any additional questions you may have.
6. Your cord blood collection kit will be forwarded to your home.
7. Pack the kit with your hospital suitcase so that it can be given to the physician for collection.
8. Contact Lifeforce Cryobanks after the collection and a pick-up courier will be scheduled.

Statement from our CEO:

“Lifeforce Cryobanks is a pioneer in the cord blood industry. Under new leadership, we have a renewed sense of purpose, which is focused on increasing the availability of safe high quality umbilical cord blood (UCB) stem cell units to anyone in need of a transplant. To achieve this goal we are partnering with local and national organizations to increase public awareness of UCB stem cells. We strongly believe that these collaborations along with our high standards and expertise will improve the possibilities of a loved one’s recovery from a devastating illness through a UCB stem cell transplant.”