Anyone registered with the nhs cord blood bank?

[greenlawn]

Just wondered - I picked up a leaflet a while ago and have now registered. I've asked a couple of friends and no-one seems to have come across it so I don't know anyone who has actually had the blood taken.

Is this the study where you can donate your placenta after the birth?

yes I did but was told they could neither use the cord or the placenta (different research) as had a homebirth (we only live a 10 minute walk away from hospital so hoped they could use it)

Its a scheme where they take cord blood from the placenta and its placed in a central bank for use in disease treatment. Sounds amazing. But it seems not many hospitals are able to offer it and I don't know anyone who has actually done it - so just wondered. Thanks for responding.

Yes I did it. They have to take some blood from you after the actual birth, then they phone you up about a month later and ask general health questions. They have to freeze it for about 5 years I think due to CJD etc before they can use it.

Thanks 4jen.