For Parents: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Register Today
To help give you peace of mind, we recommend registering with us well in advance of your due date. In case of early delivery, you will be already prepared with the collection kit.
Register online using our secure registration section or call us Toll Free on 1800 005 541 to speak with one of our Healthcare Specialists.
Whether enrolling online or over the phone, please send us your completed forms either by Faxing them to: 03 9094 5277 or mail to PO Box 7544, St.Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 8004.
During the 35th week of your pregnancy we will process your chosen payment option. We will send you the Cellsense medical collection kit, which is equipped to help maximise viability of your baby’s cells. Cellsense will formally notify your Doctor and Hospital of your intention to store your baby’s cord blood or arrange a Cellsense midwife to perform the collection at no extra cost.
Step 2: The Big Day arrives – What to expect? – Collection
After you register you will receive a collection kit with everything your medical staff needs to collect your baby’s cord blood. You will need to keep your kit with your pre-packed hospital luggage so it will be ready when the big day arrives, but remember to keep it out of the sun and not in your car as this heats up rapidly when left in the sun.
After your baby is born, and after the umbilical cord has been clamped and cut, your obstetrician or midwife will collect the cord blood. The blood will flow by gravity into the bag until it stops. The actual collection typically takes three to five minutes. After the cord blood has been collected, your obstetrician or midwife seals the blood bag and places it back inside the collection box.
Step 3: What happens next? - Transportation
Once your baby is born and the sample is collected, telephone us on 1800 005 541 (anytime day or night). Your collection kit will be picked up and taken directly to our state-of-the-ar
Step 4: Processing & Testing
The cord blood unit is tested to ensure it is appropriate for storage at our laboratory located at the Sydney Adventist Hospital. The mother’s blood is tested for various infectious diseases. The stem cells are then prepared for cryogenic storage. Once they have been cryogenically frozen the stem cell unit is kept in quarantine storage until results of tests are available and approved by our Medical Director. You will receive a call from our Healthcare Specialist and also a written report telling you the collection and storage volumes and your individual Customer Identification Number (CIN).
Step 5: Your baby’s Cells - Storage
Your baby’s cord blood stem cells are then available to you at any time in the future, should you need them. We will send you regular updates on stem cell technology and other important information. On these occasions we ask you to check that your contact details are up to date.
*At 18 years of age, the contract between Cellsense and you expires. Your now adult child can now decide whether he/she wishes to continue to use Cellsense’s services.
Step 6: Retrieving your cells
If you need to retrieve your cells, please contact us on 1800 005 541 and ask to speak to our Quality Manager. The Quality Manager will ask you to complete the necessary release authority. Cellsense will liaise with your nominated doctor / laboratory regarding transportation of the stem cell unit. Charges may be applicable at that time. Cellsense will not charge you to release the sample, you will only be charged the transportation costs from our laboratory to wherever you are located in the world.