Cord Blood

NIH Sickle Cell Cord Blood Research Program

Welcome To Our Web Site
One in 400 African Americans born in this country has sickle cell disease. You may know someone who suffers from this painful disease. To better understand sickle cell disease we are looking for expectant parents to donate their infant’s umbilical cord blood.

How do I learn more?
To learn about our program, the disease, and how you might be able to help, click on one of the following items:

Sickle Cell Disease Information
What is sickle cell disease?
What causes sickle cell disease?
Current treatment for Sickle Cell Disease
The need to find cure for Sickle Cell Disease

Umbilical Cord Blood
What is umbilical cord blood?
How cord blood may be helpful

About the program
Program’s Research Objective
Future Research to cure Sickle Cell Disease
Who are the researchers?

Donation Information
Who can be a donor?
Are there any risks to either the infant or mother?
How will the donation/collection process affect birth plans?
What is necessary to participate?
Why participate?
How to enroll in the program

Collection Information
Who collects the cord blood?
When is the cord blood collected?
How is the cord blood collected?
What happens to the cord blood after it is collected?
What kinds of testing are performed on the cord blood?

Contact Information
Information and brochures Contact Research Nurse Coordinator:
Elizabeth Joyal, BSNCall: 301-594-8381 or e-mail: ejoyal@mail.cc.nih.gov.

If you belong to a group, church, or organization that might be able to help spread word of the program we would like to speak to your group.