Cord blood is a powerful source of stem cells with a proven track record in transplant medicine.² These remarkable stem cells can be used to treat over 80 conditions,³ including certain cancers, blood disorders, and immune deficiencies. For more than 30 years, cord blood has been used in stem cell transplants to help tens of thousands of people worldwide.² In fact, over 50,000 stem cell transplants have been performed globally using cord blood from both public donor banks and private family banks.⁴

Preserving cord blood at birth offers a unique opportunity to safeguard a potentially valuable medical resource for the future. By collecting and storing stem cells at birth, we effectively "stop the clock," which helps preserve their unique properties for potential future use.⁵ Cord blood also offers more flexible genetic matching compared to adult stem cell sources,⁶ which may be especially important in transplants. Quality collection practices can help maximize the clinical utility of a sample, especially given that having a larger dose of stem cells for a stem cell transplant is associated with improved medical outcomes.⁷

Since 1992, families have entrusted CBR to store more than one million cord blood and cord tissue samples.⁸ As the largest and most experienced family newborn stem cell company in the United States,⁸  we are proud to be the #1 choice of parents for newborn stem cell preservation.⁸ CBR has also released more units intended for medical use than any other family bank, with over 750 samples provided to families for transplant medicine and regulated investigational regenerative medicine applications.⁸

Advanced technology and decades of experience are at the heart of newborn stem cell preservation at CBR. In our state-of-the-art lab in Tucson, Arizona, each cord blood sample undergoes processing with the AXP^® II platform, which is a functionally closed, automated processing method. Having a functionally closed processing method helps reduce the risk of contamination and automation helps to maintain consistency.⁹ For added peace of mind, every sample is checked to make sure it meets important quality standards. 

Preserving cord blood means that it is rapidly available which can minimize delays in treatment.¹⁰ After processing, the stem cells are cryopreserved in vapor above liquid nitrogen at approximately -196° Celsius to help ensure long-term stability.⁸ Studies have shown that cryopreservation helps cord blood samples stay usable even after being stored for many years, as long as they’re kept in the right conditions.¹¹  

The CBR^® Newborn Possibilities Program^® has preserved over 13,000⁸ newborn stem cell samples by offering free processing and five years of storage to families with certain medical needs. More than 7,500 children⁸ have taken part in the program, and about 24% of all CBR stem cell units released for medical use have come from it⁸ — showing how important this program is in making treatments more accessible. 

Beyond current treatments, cord blood has been evaluated in regenerative medicine for conditions such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome, type 1 diabetes, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, and hypoxic neurological injury.¹⁰ More than 500 clinical trials have been initiated to study cord blood and cord tissue in regenerative medicine.¹² Newborn stem cells know how to find injured cells and tissue and start the healing process, making them an appealing cell source for research.¹³ 

Duke University has performed a number of studies evaluating the use of newborn stem cells as a potential treatment for acquired neurological conditions like cerebral palsy and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.¹⁴ Additionally, individuals with certain pediatric brain injuries may be eligible for off-study infusions of cord blood through Duke’s Expanded Access Protocol.¹⁵ 

Preserving your baby’s newborn stem cells is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to prepare for life’s unexpected moments. This Cord Blood Awareness Month, enroll with CBR — the trusted leader in newborn stem cell preservation — and take a powerful step toward protecting your family’s future. Know someone expecting? Share this with them and help spread the word about the healing potential of newborn stem cells.