Your baby's umbilical cord blood contains very valuable stem cells that can be used to treat more than 80 diseases, including leukemia, thalassemia, lymphoma and many others.
Since the first successful cord blood stem cell transplant in 1988, approximately 42,000 transplants have been performed (according to Parent's Guide to Cord Blood Foundation 2015).
Cord blood treatment is partially reimbursed by most insurance companies
Studies have shown that the tissues surrounding the blood vessels of the umbilical cord are rich in mesenchymal stem cells. These cells can be used to regenerate the structural tissues of the human body, such as bone, cartilage, muscle, fibrous and fatty tissue.
Currently, in Canada, umbilical cord stem cells are used for research purposes only.
It is possible to have access to the biosurance service throughout Quebec for deliveries in hospitals, birthing centres or at home.
Stem cells are at the origin of all the cells of the human body. They have two main properties:
Many promising research projects are currently underway for the use of stem cells in regenerative medicine and for the treatment of several diseases, including:
The stem cells obtained at the time of delivery are 100% compatible with your child. Depending on the compatibility, these stem cells could be used for another family member, such as a sister or brother.
Childbirth is the only time when cord blood can be collected. This is because umbilical cord blood is an extremely rich source of stem cells. Their immature immunological state gives these cells unique properties. These stem cells will disappear from the baby's circulatory system two to three days after birth.
It is important to note that if the mother has hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, HTLV or syphilis, it will not be possible to preserve the stem cells.
The collection of cord blood is a simple, safe, quick and painless procedure. The cord blood is collected
is collected immediately after the birth of your child, once the umbilical cord has been clamped and cut. The collection can be performed during a vaginal or cesarean birth by the delivery physician or midwife.
Complete the registration form at any time during your pregnancy and return it to us by email.
Payment & delivery of the kit.
On the day of delivery, hand in the kit to the medical team.
After the delivery, contact ovobiosurance and our accredited medical carrier will pick up your kit.
Once your kit arrives at our laboratories, we will begin the testing and cryopreservation process.
Step 6
Within the next few weeks, we will send you a report containing the characteristics of the cord blood collected.
ovo biosurance meets the highest standards of quality and safety in technical and administrative performance, thus satisfying the requirements established by recognized Canadian and international organizations.
The AABB is an international organization that sets quality standards for blood banking and transfusion medicine. ovo biosurance voluntarily undergoes evaluations by AABB experts every two years to maintain accreditation.
Health Canada is a federal government agency responsible for protecting and improving the health of Canadians. One of their responsibilities is to provide inspection functions for various health care facilities, including cord blood banks. ovo biosurance undergoes assessments every two years.
If you have any questions or would like more information about our family stem cell bank, please contact the ovo clinic at 514.798.2000 ext. 613 or biosurance@cliniqueovo.com for a free information session with our clinical advisor.