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Blood and Cord Bank Services
The Division of Blood and Cord Bank Services is responsible for the collection, testing, and storage of blood donations and umbilical cord blood units, supporting life-saving treatments across our facilities.
Our blood donor services encompass the full recruitment and screening process, ensuring a safe and reliable supply of blood for patients in need.
What Are Blood and Cord Bank Services?
At the time of birth, parents have the option to preserve their baby's umbilical cord blood. Rich in stem cells, cord blood has been used in the treatment of more than 80 conditions, including leukemia, blood disorders, and immune system diseases. Preserving cord blood provides families with access to a potentially valuable resource for future medical care.
Doctors specializing in Blood and Cord Bank Services
Who can donate blood?
Most healthy individuals between the ages of 18 and 65 may be eligible to donate blood. Please refer to the eligibility criteria below for full details.
What types of blood donation are available?
We offer three types of blood donation:
• Whole Blood Donation (Single Unit)- the most common form of donation
• Double Red Cells Donation – two units of red blood cells are collected in a single visit
• Platelets Apheresis Donation – platelets are collected, and the remaining blood components are returned to the donor
How long does a blood donation take?
Donation times vary depending on the type:
• Whole Blood: approximately 50–60 minutes
• Platelet Apheresis: approximately 60–80 minutes
• Double Red Cells: approximately 60 minutes
How often can I donate blood?
Regular donation by healthy volunteers is the foundation of a reliable blood supply. Donation frequency depends on the type:
• Whole Blood: every 56 days
• Platelet Apheresis: every 2 weeks
• Double Red Cells: every 16 weeks
Am I eligible for blood donation?
To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria on the day of donation:
• Be in good health and feeling well
• Be between the ages of 18 and 65
• Minimum weight of 50kg
• Have a blood pressure reading between 60/100 and 100/160 mmHg
• Have a pulse rate between 60–100 beats per minute
• Have a body temperature no higher than 37.5°C
• Hold a valid Emirates ID, visitors and transit visa holders are not eligible to donate as per UAE Federal Health Regulations
• Not be pregnant or breastfeeding, for the health and safety of both mother and baby
What is the Cord Blood and Research Center (DCRC)?
The Cord Blood & Research Centre (DCRC), part of Dubai Health, was established in 2006 as the UAE's only government facility offering both public and private cord blood banking services. Accredited by the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB), DCRC is committed to growing and maintaining a substantial stem cell registry for the UAE, championing the importance of cord blood donation and its life-saving potential for patients in need.
What is umbilical cord blood and what are stem cells?
Umbilical cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after birth. It is a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells, which have the unique ability to develop into different types of blood cells. These cells have proven valuable in treating a range of serious conditions through stem cell transplantation.
Why should I consider preserving my baby’s cord blood?
Cord blood stem cells have been used to treat numerous serious and complex conditions, making stem cell transplantation a potentially life-saving option, not only for your child, but for siblings and other family members as well. Preserving your baby's cord blood at birth means having a potentially valuable resource available for the future.
How do I register for cord blood banking?
To get started, please contact our specialized team before your child's birth to obtain the necessary information and complete your registration. You can reach us by calling our call center on 800 342.
