Once the donated cord blood is processed and stored at the Cord Blood Bank, it is listed on the NMDP Registry and available to patients all over the world who are searching for a match. The cord blood can be transplanted into any patient whose doctor selects the cord as a match for that patient.

On any given day, more than 6,000 patients, their families and friends around the world are searching the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Registry for a matching bone marrow donor or cord blood unit. These patients have leukemia, lymphoma and other life-threatening diseases that can be treated by a bone marrow or cord blood transplant.

Blood donations are available for use within 48 hours after being processed into three components (red blood cells, platelets and plasma) and tested.

In normal healthy persons there is a slight drop in blood count (not enough to be noticed) which returns to normal levels within 3 - 4 weeks. During this time the donor must be receiving adequate amounts of dietary iron (needed to make hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen and gives blood its red color).

Note: The following information will be based on whole blood donations. It may not be accurate for apheresis donors.

Typically, each donated unit of blood - referred to as whole blood - is separated into multiple components, such as red blood cells, plasma, platelets, and cryoprecipatitated AHF (antihemophilic factor). Each component can be transfused to different individuals with different needs. Therefore, each donation can be used to help save as many as three lives.

Columbia University Medical Center relies on voluntary blood donors and extensive testing to maintain safe blood supplies. Please speak with your surgeon well in advance of surgery regarding blood banking and the possibility of donating blood for yourself or having family and friends donate blood before surgery.

The cord blood bank keeps the mother's name confidential, and it protects the privacy of the family. Names are not shared with any patient or transplant center. The baby's cord blood is identified by a number, never by name.

It takes the body 24 – 48 hours to replace the plasma portion that is about 80% water and 3 – 5 weeks to replace the red cells. Donors are encouraged to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluid before and following the donation to assist the replacement process. Also, regular and frequent donors should eat plenty of iron-containing foods (ex. meat).

Every year, thousands of people receive life saving or life enhancing tissue transplants. These gifts are made possible by family members who consent to donation after the death of a loved one. One tissue donor can benefit a hundred or more patients in need of surgical procedures!

No. Each unit of whole blood normally is separated into several components. Red blood cells may be stored under refrigeration for a maximum of 42 days, or they may be frozen for up to 10 years. Red cells carry oxygen and are used to treat anemia. Platelets are important in the control of bleeding and are generally used in patients with leukemia and other forms of cancer. Platelets are stored at room temperature and may be kept for a maximum of seven days.

Heart, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, liver, small bowel, bone and associated tendons, blood vessels, heart valves, skin and corneas. Organs are allocated through the United Network for Organ Sharing. Tissues recovered by NEOB are first processed for safety and preservation purposes before they are transplanted. Tissue recovered by NEOB are processed by: LifeNet, Tissue Banks International, LifeCell, and CryoLife.

Family members or friends who have the same blood type as you can provide a directed blood donation for you, however, most studies show that directed donations are no safer than blood donated by healthy community volunteers. In fact, blood donations from close relatives are more likely to cause a serious immune reaction. In these situations, doctors must treat the blood with radiation before it can be used safely.

After blood is drawn, it is tested for ABO group (blood type) and RH type (positive or negative), as well as for any unexpected Red Blood Cell antibodies that may cause problems for the recipient. Screening tests performed are listed below:

According to the National Blood Data Resource Center, U.S. institutions collected more than 15 million units of whole blood and red cells in 2001, the most recent year for which data are available. Blood centers collected 93% of the donated units, while hospitals collected 7%. These donations were made by approximately eight million volunteer blood donors. The American Red Cross collects almost half of these donations across the U.S.

We do encourage patients to bring previous tests they have undergone for the Physicians to review; however, depending on the symptoms presented the Physicians may or may not be able to use existing lab work.

Organs that can be donated include the heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, kidneys, and small intestines. Organs are used to save lives by replacing diseased organs with healthy ones. Tissues that can be donated include skin, bone, corneas, heart valves, and veins. skin grafts are used for burn victims.