Stored for transplant use, these lifesaving cells are NOT the same as embryonic stem cells.

Recent news reports about legislation on funding for embryonic stem cell research have prompted a flurry of questions in regard to Michigan Blood Cord Blood/Stem Cell services. Here are the facts:

• Our Cord Blood Bank does not work with embryonic stem cells.
• Donated umbilical cord blood, which our Cord Blood Bank collects, is rich in stem cells, the “parent” cells of all other blood cells. The Cord Blood Bank processes umbilical cord blood to extract the stem cells, then stores them in a frozen state.
• Stem cells stored in our Cord Blood Bank are available to transplant centers throughout the US and around the world, for patients with life-threatening diseases such as some forms of leukemia. So far, 48 patients in 10 countries, 4 Canadian provinces, and 15 American states have received a
  second chance at life because of umbilical cord blood stem cells from Michigan Blood Cord Blood Bank.
• The Cord Blood Bank at Michigan Blood, the first in our state, opened in 1999.
• Each unit of donated cord blood costs about $1000 to process and store. Extensive testing determines the tissue type of each donated unit of cord blood. This information is included in two worldwide databases and also is available through direct search from our Cord Blood Bank.
• There is no charge to donate cord blood to our Cord Blood Bank.

The Cord Blood Bank is supported through charitable contributions. For more information or to make a donation, e-mail Michigan Blood Development Office or phone 616-233-8600.

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