We’ll test them for any diseases or infections, so we can make sure your cord blood is safe to use for a transplant. This includes tests for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis and HTLV. Some of these tests are not undertaken as part of usual maternity care. Other tests such as for malaria may be done depending on your travel history. Also, we do DNA analysis to obtain your tissue type (HLA) to help find a better match. If you test positive for anything, we’ll pass the information to your doctor who will advise you on any treatment.

No. Only the number given to the cord blood unit at the hospital is used – no name or personal data is ever associated with it. This number is used to identify it on the registry and at the public cord blood bank. We always keep the mother’s name confidential and protect you and your family’s privacy. Names are never shared with any patient or transplant centre.

As the cord blood unit is identified only by number, you and the transplant patient will also not be able to exchange any personal information"

Yes. Your donation could provide a stem cell transplant for someone in need anywhere in the world. We’re linked through the Worldwide Marrow Donor Association to registers and public cord blood banks across the globe. We provide stem cells to transplant centres overseas, and also import stem cells and cord blood from abroad into the UK.

One of our staff will visit before you leave hospital to take a small blood sample from you (not your baby). They’ll also take you through the full consent form if you didn’t sign it before the birth and ask some routine medical history questions.

Within 30 hours, a courier will take your cord blood to our cord blood bank, the Anthony Nolan Cell Therapy Centre, in Nottingham.

There, we’ll test it to see if it has enough stem cells to use for a transplant. If it does, we’ll freeze and store it until someone needs it.

If it doesn’t, we’ll either dispose of it using standard medical procedures or use it in vital research.

Take a look at our animation all about donating cord blood.

Yes you can still donate. Anthony Nolan supports NICE guidance not to have the cord clamped earlier than one minute after birth if all is well with the baby. Our collectors will work around your birth plan and provide further evidence based information as needed to help you make an informed decision. Donating does not affect your birth plan in any way.

Yes, you can.

Yes. We can normally collect your cord blood whether you have an elective or emergency caesarean.

Absolutely not. Donating cord blood is risk-free. We only come in once you have safely delivered your baby and placenta.

A member of the cord blood team will be waiting outside the delivery room to collect your placenta and cord, and take it to another room to extract the blood. Your midwife or doctor aren’t required to turn their attention away from you at any time. So they will be free to concentrate on looking after you and your baby.

No. It's a criminal offence under section 32 of the Human Tissue Act 2004 to offer, give or receive a reward for the supply of cells, and to publish any such offer or incentive of a reward.  

Anthony Nolan is regulated by the Human Tissue Authority, who are responsible for enforcing the Human Tissue Act. We are also accredited by World Marrow Donor Association, an international accreditation body for donor registries and cord blood banks. Their standards clearly state that donors must not be paid for their donation.