Are you Eligible to Store Umbilical Cord Blood?

Many expectant mothers in the United States have started packing the kit to save umbilical cord blood in the bag, which they will take to the hospital when they go to give birth to their baby. It's good to see that so many women are eager to participate in this life saving program. However, before you send away for a cord blood saving kit, you should know if you qualify to donate umbilical cord blood.

You must be 18 years or older and should be in good health. There are some cord blood banks that accept donations from mothers who are 16 years or older.

You cannot become a donor if you are at risk for HIV/AIDS.
If you have been cured for skin or cervical cancer, you are eligible to donate cord blood. If you have suffered any other type of cancer, you cannot donate cord blood.
If you have medicine dependent diabetes, you are not eligible to donate cord blood. If you have gestational diabetes, you are eligible to donate. However, it's recommended you talk to the cord blood bank about your eligibility.

If you have hepatitis B or C you do not qualify to donate. If you have had any other strain of hepatitis, you may qualify to donate if you have been vaccinated. However, check with the blood bank.

If you suffered from malaria more than three years ago, you will qualify to donate. If you have finished an anti-malaria course more than six months ago, you qualify to donate.

If you have received any organ transplant like heart, liver, kidney or lung or bone marrow or any tissue transplant in the previous twelve months, you will not qualify to donate cord blood.

Any history of sexually transmitted diseases, or getting tattoos or ear piercing in the last twelve months, will have to be evaluated by the cord blood bank.

When you put yourself up for donating cord blood, the cord blood bank will send you a form to fill before they qualify you to donate. They will only send you a cord blood collection kit, after they have qualified you as being legible to donate. After birth, when the cord blood along with a sample of your blood is sent to the cord blood bank, they will check your blood before accepting the cord blood for donation.