HEMACORD

Hemacord, a vital division of the esteemed New York Blood Center [1], operates as a premier public cord blood bank situated in Manhattan, NYC [2]. Its core mission revolves around the collection, comprehensive processing, rigorous testing, and secure cryopreservation of umbilical cord blood units donated after childbirth. This precious biological resource contains a rich supply of hematopoietic stem cells, which are crucial for life-saving transplant procedures. These stem cells offer a critical therapeutic pathway for individuals battling severe conditions such as various types of leukemia, lymphomas, aplastic anemia, inherited immune deficiencies, and certain metabolic disorders.

Unlike private cord blood banks which store blood for the donor family's exclusive use, Hemacord functions as a public bank. This means donated units, once processed and deemed suitable, are listed on national and international registries, making them available to any patient worldwide who requires a stem cell transplant and finds a compatible match. This public model significantly broadens access to potentially life-saving treatments for diverse patient populations, including minority groups who often face greater challenges in finding matched donors.

The operational procedures at Hemacord adhere to the highest scientific and regulatory standards. Each donated unit undergoes extensive testing for infectious agents and detailed tissue typing (HLA typing) to ensure its safety and suitability for transplantation. State-of-the-art processing techniques are employed to isolate and concentrate the valuable stem cells before the unit is cryopreserved in specialized freezers, maintaining cellular viability for decades. This meticulous approach guarantees that when a matched unit is requested by a transplant center, it meets the stringent quality requirements necessary for successful patient outcomes.

Hemacord's contribution extends beyond clinical transplantation. The banked cord blood units also serve as an invaluable resource for cutting-edge research aimed at exploring new therapeutic applications of stem cells, including advancements in regenerative medicine and understanding disease mechanisms. By facilitating both clinical use and scientific discovery, Hemacord plays a pivotal role in advancing the field of cellular therapy.

Located within the sophisticated medical landscape of Manhattan, Hemacord embodies the New York Blood Center's commitment to public health and medical innovation. It serves as a critical link between generous donors and patients in desperate need, embodying hope and providing essential resources that contribute to saving and improving lives globally. Its operations are fundamental to expanding access to stem cell therapies and driving future medical breakthroughs.

AUTHORITATIVE SOURCES
Information about Hemacord's function as a public cord blood bank. [New York Blood Center]↩
Business listing information (location, name confirmation). [Manhattan-NYC.com]↩