Smart Cells frequently asked customer questions

Your Questions

To help you make an informed decision we have a set of frequently asked questions about umbilical cord blood stem cell storage.

 If you have others please get in touch on 020 7436 9966 or send an email.

• Who should perform the collection? What if my doctor or midwife refuses to do it? 
• Are there any ethical implications arising from the collection and use of stem cells from umbilical cord blood?
• What happens if I have a Caesarean or a home birth? 
• Is the procedure safe? Is there any chance it could harm mother or baby?
• Can drugs taken during labour affect the sample?
• What are the maternal blood tests and why do you do them?
• What is HLA testing? 
• What is the difference between private and public stem cell banks? 
• If I banked cord blood from one child, should I bank the next?  
• How do you ensure the sample's security and client confidentiality? 
• Why is the sample only stored for 25 years? What happens then?
• Is Smart Cells an international organisation?
• Do you store whole blood or do you process the blood by separating the red blood cells from the white blood cells?
• Do you have a clear criteria for a successful samples and what happens if my sample does not meet the criteria? 
• Do you ever get failed samples?
• I have been told the service is expensive, how much does it cost?
• Do you offer Gift Vouchers? 
• What illnesses can the cells treat?
• How long does it take to process the sample?
• Whole blood Questions and Answers

If you have a specific question, please click here to send it to our Doctor.