Cord Blood & Tissue Banking
How does having a c-section affect cord blood or cord tissue collection?
Cord blood and tissue collection during a cesarean section is essentially the same as during a vaginal birth. ViaCord provides an FDA-approved, pre-loaded collection bag for use with sterile C-sections.
How long can cord blood be stored?
There is currently no evidence that cord blood expires. Studies published in Stem Cell Translational Medicine found that long-term cryopreservation of cord blood stem cells (up to 29 years) does not affect their ability to function effectively, supporting the value of cord blood banking.
I want to do delayed cord blood clamping. Can I still bank cord blood?
The short answer - yes! The timing of cord clamping is a personal decision that should be discussed your healthcare provider. Cord blood and tissue collection start after the cord is cut, whenever that is. If your cord blood sample does not meet our minimum quantity requirement to store, we will reach out to you to review the findings and go over the options for next steps. Delayed clamping does not affect cord tissue collection.
Why is a maternal blood sample required?
Regulations require infectious disease testing using a maternal blood sample. Physicians also need these results if the cord blood is ever considered for treatment or research.
Can I bank if I live outside the U.S.?
Yes. ViaCord can process collections if your baby's delivery occurs within the United States or Puerto Rico, regardless of residency. An additional $450 shipping fee applies to collections that take place in Puerto Rico.
How are cord blood and cord tissue different?
Cord blood is the blood left in the umbilical cord after your baby is born. Cord tissue is the actual tissue of the umbilical cord (also called Wharton’s jelly). Both contain unique types of stem cells that can easily be collected after delivery.
Cord blood stem cells form blood and immune cells (red cells, white cells, platelets) and may be used in transplants to treat certain conditions like leukemia and sickle cell disease by rebuilding a healthy blood and immune system in the patient. Cord blood may also be used in regenerative medicine clinical trials exploring new potential applications.
Cord tissue stem cells can develop into bone, cartilage, muscle, and other tissues. They are widely studied for their anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties and may help treat conditions that cord blood stem cells cannot.
What if I need to use my stored cells?
A physician must determine whether your stored stem cells are a suitable treatment option. Visit ViaCord's Customer Hub to learn more about using your cells.
What is microbial testing?
During birth, your baby's umbilical cord may come into contact with bacteria or fungi that can naturally occur in your body's birthing canal.
Even with strict precautions, contact with microbials is possible during cord blood and cord tissue collection. For this reason your baby's collection will be tested for microbials at ViaCord's lab, prior to cryopreservation.
If your sample tests positive for microbials, you may still store the stem cells and should your unit ever be needed, the treating physician will have complete information.
When will I receive my ViaCord Collection Kit?
Kits are shipped to arrive by week 27 of pregnancy. If your due date is less than 13 weeks away, the kit will arrive shortly after you place your order.
Why did my child's stem cell unit test positive for microbials?
During the birth process, the umbilical cord can come into contact with microbes that are naturally occurring within and around the body. Although rare, even when all precautions are taken during the stem cell collection, there is always a risk of bacteria making its way into the stem cell collection. Regardless of microbial testing results, ViaCord can store the newborn stem cells.
Will I be charged a fee by my healthcare provider for the collection?
Some healthcare providers will charge a fee for the collection — but it is at their discretion. You should discuss this matter with your caregiver prior to delivery.
DNA & Genomics
What makes using cord blood for genetic testing special?
Cord blood provides a painless and convenient sample for early genetic insights; there's no need for blood draws or saliva swabs from a baby or young child. It supports multiple testing options and can help detect conditions before symptoms appear, offering a potentially proactive approach to managing your family's health.
Why should I do Whole Genome Sequencing for my newborn?
Insights from Whole Genome Sequencing will allow your family to make proactive and informed health decisions rather than waiting on symptoms.
In fact, a retrospective study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that 1 in 12 apparently healthy newborns had genetic findings found via Newborn Whole Genome Sequencing that could affect health early in life. Nearly half of those findings were conditions where early intervention could improve outcomes.
Plus, once you sequence your newborn’s genome you can reanalyze it as many times as you wish using the same sample.
Do you offer genetic tests for adults?
Yes. We offer Whole Genome Sequencing For Adults, which analyzes all 22,000 genes and reviews 6,000 genes linked to adult-onset conditions and medication sensitivities.
How long does it take to get test results?
Timing of results depends on the test:e
Genetic Insights Panel: 4-6 weeks
Newborn Digestive Health: 6-8 weeks
Whole Genome Sequencing: 6-10 weeks
Billing & Payment
How do I contact billing?
The Billing team is available Mon–Fri, 9AM–6PM (ET)
P: 800-991-2483
E: viacord.billing@viacord.com
You can also use our self service portal, MyAccount, for simple billing related needs.
Will I receive an invoice when payments are due?
Payments are automatically charged to your credit or debit card based on your selected plan, each year around the 10th of the month that your child was born. If you discontinue service before delivery, a $150 fee applies. Note: some OB providers charge an additional collection fee — please check with your provider.
When is my annual storage fee due?
Annual storage is charged each year during your child’s birth month. If you provided a credit card at enrollment, the fee will be billed automatically to the card we have on file.
We encourage you to keep your billing and contact information up to date, to ensure your account remains up to date.
You can do this yourself by logging into our self service portal, MyAccount, or you can contact our Billing team. The Billing team is available Mon–Fri, 9AM–6PM (ET)
How do I update the credit card that you use for storage billing?
Log into our self service portal, MyAccount. Select Billing, then Update Card Details. You can also call our Billing Team at 800-991-2483.
How can I confirm which payment plan I signed up for?
Log into our self service portal, MyAccount. Select Billing, then Billing Schedule. You can also call our Billing Team at 800-991-2483.
General
How long has ViaCord been around?
ViaCord was founded in 1993 as a private cord blood bank.
Does ViaCord have a referral rewards program?
Yes! And our customers love it because you can earn a free year of cord blood storage for each friend you refer who banks with ViaCord. Head over to our Refer a Friend page for more details.
Who is ViaCord's parent company?
ViaCord is proud to be backed by the strength and expertise of our parent company Revvity , a global leader in diagnostics and life sciences committed to solving the world's most pressing health challenges.
How do I sign up again if I'm having another baby and want to bank?
First, congratulations! We know pregnancy is a busy time and your growing family keeps you even busier. We'd love to connect at your convenience and bring you up to speed on what’s changed since you last banked with us. Give us a call when you're ready 877-856-4802
