The umbilical cord blood contains haematopoietic stem cells whereas umbilical cord tissue contains mesenchymal stem cells. Owing to the fact that collection takes place during the minutes which follow birth, it is therefore necessary to consider this in advance and to prepare for it with the medical team.
The collection of umbilical cord stem cells may normally be carried out in the case of caesarian section or in the case of twins. Two collection kits are required for the birth of twins.