FAQ's
Discover more about BioGrad Prenatal and our services in our information video
Have a look what our Clinical Director, Jay Fitzgerald, has to say to you about our cord blood banking and cord tissue banking services
Stem Cells
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)Â
Cord tissue banking is a very similar process to cord blood banking. The only difference is that the stem cells are extracted from the tissue inside the umbilical cord instead of from blood.Â
Cord blood banking is the process of collecting and storing the blood from a baby’s umbilical cord after birth. The blood is rich in stem cells that can develop into different types of cells in the body. Cord blood banking provides a way to store these precious stem cells for a long-term period so that they are readily available if needed for treatments. Â
Stem cells are abundant in both the cord blood and tissue. These cells have the capacity to develop into a wide variety of cell types that can be used in transplants to treat diseases like cancer, immune system deficiencies, metabolic diseases, and numerous blood issues.Â
Our Laboratory
Our Laboratory is located at our Wavertree site. Stephenson Way Wavertree Liverpool L13 1HN
We are open Monday – Friday 09:00-17:00Â
You can reach us by phone on 0345 565 1725 or email Clinical@biograd.co.uk
Publicly accessible stem stell banking with BioGrad Prenatal is new, only launching in 2023 while we complete the finishing touches to our process we are unable to accept any samples due before the dates on our stem cell packages page.  Â
Our services are currently only available as part of a packaged service for Cord Blood and/or Cord Tissue banking. This service is automatically added to your request after your medical questionnaire form has been returned.  Â
All results will be sent via email between 3-6 weeks after collection, we may need to contact you to discuss your results. Our clinical and scientits team are available should you wish to discus your results.Â
Collection
After baby is born the umbilical cord is cut, the cord blood &/or tissue is collected by the phlebotomist. This is a non-invasive process and does not harm the baby or mother. Â
This depends on your birth location, some hospital will be able to collect your sample for you, however some will require you to use our phlebotomist. Our Phlebotomist will collect your sample for you.Â
After your sample has been collected, the hospital or phlebotomist will hand you back a sealed package containing your sample. You will be required to follow the collections instructions, typically this involves calling BioGrad on 0345 565 1725. They will then arrange collection of your sample for transport back to our laboratory.
Yes, the phlebotomist will just need to have a clean area work. This can all be discussed during a planning session. Â
Yes, a c-section should have no impact on banking stem cells.  Â
No, cord blood and tissue is collected after the umbilical cord is cut. Your birth plan will not be effected. Â
Upon arrival of the cord blood in the laboratory, it will be tested for various factors including the volume of collected blood, the presence of any blood-borne infectious diseases and the number of stem cells present. If the cord blood passes the testing criteria, they will be processed to remove any red blood cells and plasma, leaving the concentrated stem cells. The population and viability of these stem cells will be determined by automated equipment. Afterwards, stem cells will be frozen using a controlled cooling process and stored in ultra-low (-196°C) temperature tanks within the BioGrad biobank facility to preserve the stem cells and maintain their viability over long periods of time. Detailed information about the cord blood including its unique identification number, collection date and test results will be recorded and stored in a secure database for future reference. If the need arises, the stored stem cells can be retrieved from BioGrad biobank facility for use in medical treatments.Â
Yes, with like most clinical procedures informed consent will be required along with details about your birth and medical history.
Due to the non-sterile nature of birth, there is a risk of contamination that cannot be avoided.
Payment
Each year you will be required to pay a storage fee, this is paid via direct debt. Your first year is included in the price.
We currently offer two ways to pay:
- Pay a deposit on booking and the remaining via direct debt before babies due date.Â
- Pay balance in full on bookingÂ
You can call our team on 0345 656 1825 or download an information back from our website. Â
Our terms & conditions can be found HERE
The BioGrad Group
The BioGrad foundation is a charity that specialises in regenerative research. When a baby is born it presents a once-in-a-lifetime chance to collect a priceless resource that might one day be utilised to cure a major disease or illness. The biograd foundation allows you to donate your umbilical cord blood and tissues to support scientists in the research to cure illnesses and disease. Learn more
At BioGrad, Our Biobanking Facility Offers an expertly managed, regulatory-compliant Collection And Storage Solution In order to provide samples of high quality for diagnostics, therapeutics, personalized medicine. Learn more
Providing immersive laboratory and clinical training courses at our state-of-the-art facilities in Liverpool. Learn more Â
If you would like to provide feedback on the service you have received from the BioGrad Group please contact info@biograd.co.uk.Â