Umbilical cord blood can save lives Since 2011, we have been collaborating with the stem cell database at the University Hospital
of Düsseldorf, which is supported by the José Carreras Leukemia Foundation. Many people around the world have already been saved thanks to
umbilical cord blood donations from Gronau. Donors and recipients remain anonymous.
The blood contained in the umbilical cord is highly enriched with valuable stem cells, which—if a match is found—can be life-saving for people with leukemia and similar diseases. The indications for recipients are similar
to those for bone marrow donation; however, the probability of a match is higher and the donation is available more quickly. As a result, the chances of recovery after a transplant are significantly increased. After special processing, these valuable stem cells are used worldwide in frozen form.
Following consultation with the parents and a simple examination of the mother, the excess blood is collected from the umbilical cord immediately after the newborn’s cord is clamped during delivery. The birth is in no way affected by this free donation and poses no risk whatsoever to the child or the mother. A small blood sample from the mother eliminates the risk of infection. Since three blood samples must be collected from the
umbilical cord anyway, the method is as straightforward as it is effective. Nevertheless, the obstetric team must have the necessary
expertise, which is regularly updated. In addition, once a year, a staff member from the Düsseldorf Stem Cell Bank—which stores over 30,000 donations—visits the Gronau Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics to share the latest information on-site.
In this way, a tiny baby is just coming into the world and can help save another life in the process.
For more information, please contact our midwife team at 02562 – 915 2311.
