FAQs

1. ABOUT CORD STEM CELL BANKING
1.1. What is Cord Blood?
1.2. What are stem cells?
1.3. Why are cord blood stem cells different and better than the other sources?
1.4. What diseases can be treated with stem cells today?
1.5. What will they be used for in the future?
1.6. What's the likelihood of actually using the stem cells?
1.7. Are the stem cells just for my baby's use?
1.8. What is HLA compatibility and why is it important? (histocompatibility)
1.9. Why does the mother have to have blood tests as well?
1.10. Why should I collect and store my baby's stem cells?
1.11. To which countries do you provide service?
1.12. Are there any regulations about this kind of activity in the UK, other countries of the European Union or beyond?
1.13. What is the difference between a Public and a Private Stem Cell Bank?

2. THE COLLECTION AND STORAGE PROCEDURE
2.1. When and how is the blood collected?
2.2. How do I get the collection kit?
2.3. What is in the collection kit?
2.4. Why is there a disclaimer form?
2.5. Is there any risk to mother or child?
2.6. Does having a caesarean section affect the collection process?
2.7. What happens immediately after the birth?
2.8. What happens when the cord blood reaches your laboratory?
2.9. How are my baby's stem cells stored?
2.10. Can I collect the cord blood myself?
2.11. What chances are there that the collection process does not work?
2.12. My healthcare professional is happy to collect the blood but would like some information about the procedure. Can you help?
2.13. What should I do if my hospital will not agree to make the collection?

3. PAYMENT OPTIONS
3.1. How can I pay for the collection of my baby's stem cells?
3.2. Can I pay by Credit Card?
3.3. How can I send money to you?

4. AFTER PROCESSING AND STORAGE OF THE STEM CELLS
4.1. Why do I have to have a second maternal blood test six months after the birth?
4.2. Who controls the use of the preserved stem cells?
4.3. How long can they be stored for and used for what they are intended?
4.4. What testing is performed on the blood in your laboratory?
4.5. Will there be enough stem cells for siblings and multiple future uses?
4.6. Do you process the stem cells yourselves or do you use a third party?
4.7. Can I use the cells for treatment in public hospitals?
4.8. Can we donate the cells we have stored with you to the Public Cord Bank programme?

5. ABOUT FUTURE HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
5.1. Do you only operate in the United Kingdom?
5.2. How long have you been in business?
5.3. What happens if you go out of business?
5.4. What happens if there is a power failure at your facility? Will all my stem cells be lost?
5.5. What happens if we never use the cells?
5.6. What guarantees are there for us to have full legal claims on anything involved with our specimen?
5.7. Does Future Health conduct any research into Stem Cell usage?
5.8. Why should I choose Future Health?
5.9. Why this is important to you
5.10. Can you recommend any other internet sites where I can get more information about Stem Cell Banking?
5.11. What if I have any other questions?