Donated Cord Blood and Use by the Donor

Occasionally, I am going to take a minute or two to provide answers to common questions regarding cord blood banking.

Many people wonder what happens if they donate cord blood (emphasis on Donate) and later find a need for use for that cord blood for disease treatment, etc.

Well, after donating cord blood, it is my understanding that one is placed on a national registry. That registry could be accessed and the cord blood found (if still available and not otherwise used). If one then required use of said cord blood, it would be available to them (even as the donor) if it was still available.

However, based on a recent discussion with a representative at a major cord blood banking company, it does not seem possible for one to "reclaim ownership" and to subsequently bank donated umbilical cord blood.