What Is ViaCord?
At Alex Tepper OBGYN, we partner with ViaCord to help families preserve their baby’s umbilical cord blood and tissue for potential future medical needs. ViaCord is a trusted cord blood bank with over 30 years of experience helping parents store their cord blood or tissue through advanced stem cell preservation. ViaCord offers both cord blood and cord tissue banking, along with genetic testing and DNA services, giving families the reassurance that their child’s stem cells are stored safely and ready for potential medical needs.
Why Preserve Your Baby’s Cord Blood and Tissue?
Your baby’s umbilical cord is a source of stem cells that can support medical treatments and future treatments.
- Cord blood is rich in hematopoietic stem cells, which form blood and immune cells used in the treatment of nearly 80 conditions.
- Cord tissue contains mesenchymal stem cells, which are being studied for their ability to aid in the repair of muscle, cartilage, and nerve tissues.
Benefits of ViaCord Banking
- Cord blood stem cells are used in transplants for cancers, blood disorders, and immune deficiencies.
- Cord tissue banking may expand future regenerative therapy options.
- Family-stored stem cells offer a perfect genetic match, minimizing transplant risks.
- Private banking ensures exclusive access for your family’s use.
- ViaCord’s dual banking of blood and tissue increases the potential for future treatment applications.
- ViaCord also offers genetic health insights and whole genome sequencing, helping families proactively understand and manage health predispositions.
How the ViaCord Process Works
Enroll During Pregnancy
You can enroll at any time before delivery. ViaCord provides a complete collection kit shipped directly to your home or your healthcare provider’s office.
Collection at Birth
After your baby is delivered and the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, your provider collects the cord blood and, if desired, a small section of cord tissue using the ViaCord kit. The process is entirely safe, quick, and painless for both mother and baby.
Transportation & Processing
A specialized medical carrier transports the kit to ViaCord’s secure laboratory. There, stem cells are processed and prepared using advanced cryopreservation techniques that maintain high cell viability and long-term usage.
Cryogenic Storage
Samples are stored in vapor-phase liquid nitrogen tanks within a continuously monitored facility. Power and temperature systems ensure reliable long-term preservation of every sample.
Preparation for the Future
Once processed and stored, your baby’s cord blood and tissue remain available for potential use in medical treatments or research applications. ViaCord maintains detailed documentation for your records and provides ongoing family support to help you stay informed about new medical advancements.
Preparing for Cord Blood Banking
If you’re considering cord blood banking with ViaCord:
- Discuss your interest with your OB/GYN, Dr. Tepper
- Let your care team know ahead of time so they’re prepared for collection after birth.
ViaCord’s specialists are available to answer questions about the collection process, pricing, and storage options, ensuring everything integrates into your birth plan.
Contact Us
Are you considering cord blood or tissue banking as part of your prenatal care plan? Our practice proudly partners with ViaCord, a leader in stem cell preservation and genetic health insights. Contact our team today by completing the online contact form to learn more about how you can protect your family’s future health.