Newborn DNA Guardian
An additional option for families planning to bank their baby's cord blood.
For families storing cord blood stem cells with ViaCord, there is now an additional option available to preserve the newborn DNA found in umbilical cord cells for genomic testing in the future.
This new service, The Newborn DNA Guardian℠, is separate from the service of banking the newborn’s cord blood and cord tissue. The Newborn DNA Guardian provides families a unique option to preserve a sample of their child’s DNA prior to exposure to biological and environmental factors that impact everyone’s DNA. The sample is safely and securely stored and would only be released for testing with the authorization of your Physician and you.
Who is Eligible for the Newborn DNA Guardian?
The Newborn DNA Guardian is available only to expecting parents electing to save their newborn’s cord blood with ViaCord.
Why is newborn DNA banking valuable?
This pristine DNA can be used for Genomic Testing as well as having the potential for other types of testing where newborn DNA is deemed an optimal source for clinical evaluation.
What is the cost of Newborn DNA Guardian?
+ Newborn DNA Guardian $175, one-time charge
+ No annual fees
+ No charge for release of sample
How Does Banking with The Newborn DNA Guardian Work?
ViaCord makes it easy - it's part of our cord blood banking process.
Simple and safe, the collection process won’t interfere with your birth plan, or your bonding time with your newborn. Here’s how it works:
Enroll with ViaCord in minutes by calling 866-668-4895
We’ll ship you your ViaCord collection kit.
Bring your collection kit to the hospital on the big day! Give it to your healthcare professional.
Call us when the collection is complete, and we’ll send a courier to pick it up at your location.
We’ll arrange transport of your collection to our lab. ViaCord's Processing Lab operates 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
That’s it! We’ll let you know when your kit arrives at our lab for processing.
Learn more about how our processing and storage methods
Genomic Testing
A proactive approach to managing health
Thousands of diseases can be traced back to our genetic makeup. With genomic testing advances, families can be more proactive in managing their health by understanding your child’s disease risks. When you purchase the Newborn DNA Guardian, your Baby’s DNA sample is readily accessible for genomic testing at any time— whether it be at the time of birth, or 10 years down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Newborn DNA GuardianSM
Our FAQs are here to help you make sense of it all. Find answers to your questions on all things DNA banking with the Newborn DNA Guardian, cord blood banking, genomic testing, and ViaCord’s state-of-the-art laboratory.
FAQs: Patient Eligibility
Who is eligible for DNA banking with the Newborn DNA Guardian?
The Newborn DNA Guardian is for families choosing to store Cord blood stem cells with ViaCord.
Can it be purchased without enrolling in Cord Blood Banking?
Unfortunately, not. The Newborn DNA Guardian is only available for Cord Blood banking customers.
Can I order Newborn DNA Guardian for twins, triplets, etc.?
Unfortunately, the Newborn DNA Guardian is not available for twins, triplets, etc.
FAQs: Genomic Testing
What genomic tests can I order now for my baby?
Whole Genome Sequencing and the Genetic Insights Panel are both available for Newborn DNA Guardian Customers.
What if I don’t purchase the Newborn DNA Guardian when my child is born but I want to get Genetic testing in the future?
You can still order Whole Genome Sequencing for your child, but we would need to collect DNA using a saliva sample versus using newborn DNA captured with the Newborn DNA Guardian.
FAQs: Cord Blood Banking
What is the difference between Cord Blood Banking & Newborn DNA Guardian?
Cord Blood stem cells can be used for medical treatments while the Newborn DNA Guardian can be used for Genomic Testing.
Will Genomic Testing using the Newborn DNA Guardian take anything away from the Cord Blood stem cells banking sample?
No. The Newborn DNA Guardian does not impact the quantity or quality of cord blood cells preserved.
Can I bank my child’s DNA if I live outside of the U.S.?
It’s your delivery location that matters. We can process cord blood collections for deliveries that take place within the United States and Puerto Rico regardless of residency.
FAQs: Testing Process
How long will my baby’s DNA be securely stored?
Your baby’s DNA will be securely stored until requested by you and your physician.
How much DNA is stored?
200 Microliters
How much DNA is required to run a genomic test?
A little over 100 Microliters
Where is the DNA stored?
Your Baby’s DNA is stored at ViaCord’s Processing Lab. The lab is designed for secure, long-term storage. Our lab is FDA registered, CLIA certified, AABB (American Association of Blood Banks) Accredited for processing and storing newborn stem cells from both cord blood and cord tissue, and equipped with the same freezers used by major research institutions such as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health.
Is there a cost to retrieve my baby’s DNA sample for Genomic Testing at ViaCord?
No, there is no cost to retrieve the sample for testing at ViaCord.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Not for use in Diagnostic Procedures. The content shall not be used to make a diagnosis or to replace or overrule a health care provider’s judgement. Always consult with a qualified and licensed physician or other medical care provider. ViaCord does not endorse or make recommendations with respect to research, medication, or treatments.