Donating cord blood samples at the Rosie Maternity Hospital, Cambridge
Our team of research nurses and midwives recruit mainly patients undergoing elective C-section at the Rosie Hospital. They may send information to expectant mothers via MyChart and/or the ‘CARES’ team ante-natal Teams meeting, close to the date of delivery. Patients will have the opportunity to ask questions and consider whether they would like to take part.
After the birth of the baby, the placenta is normally thrown away. Cord blood from the placenta is collected after delivery, with no harm to the mother or baby.
Cord blood is rich in haematopoietic stem cells, which can develop into different types of blood and immune cells. It is extremely valuable to scientific research e.g. advances in treating diseases such as leukaemia and lymphoma
Cord blood can be used to study how the immune system forms and functions in early life. This can lead to a better understanding of autoimmune disease.
Placental tissue can be used to help researchers gain a better understanding of how the placenta works to support the foetus during pregnancy, and increase our knowledge of pregnancy complications e.g. miscarriage, poor foetal growth and pre-eclampsia. For further information see: https://www.trophoblast.cam.ac.uk/
There is no obligation to take part, and patients are free to withdraw at any point.
Only patients under the care of the Rosie Hospital are eligible for the study, as it is not open at any other hospital in the UK. For further information about donating cord blood samples in Cambridge please email: CBSB_cord_blood_team@medschl.cam.ac.uk