Singapore (Public) Cord Blood Bank

I just met up with one of the nurse coordinators for the Singapore Cord Blood Bank. I'll be arranging to donate baby's cord blood to the bank. Cord blood is kept because the stem cells can potentially be used currently for bone marrow transplants if a match can be found. There maybe further uses for it in the future as well.

Why the public bank? Well, the chances that we'll need it for either Bryan or baby is very very slim given that none of our relatives have a history of leukaemias/lymphomas/anaemias. So it's a wasted resource if we keep it in a private bank for our own use. At least there is a chance that it will be a match for some other child. Also the American Association of Paediatrics (AAP) also recommends public cord blood banking rather than private.

Anyway, the nurse coordinator is really nice. There isn't much hassle because the SCBB staff will arrange to meet up with you to sign the consent forms at your convenience. This service is free. There will be no charge at all. The actual collection will be done during the delivery itself in whichever hospital you choose and the cord blood stored in the bank at KKH. Quite professionally done.

I hope every expectant mother will consider the SCBB. You never know, you may save a life. For more information or to make a donation, please call +65 6394 5011.