FAQs
Why should you choose telaGen
for your donation?
Why telaGen? telaGen implements rigorous security protocols and procedures to protect your personal information and provide the highest degree of patient confidentiality. We follow strict standard operating procedures developed by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and are in compliance with obligations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Let us put your mind at ease.
We can answer your questions.
Will donation require additional surgical procedures? After your baby is born, the delivered birth tissue will simply be placed in a sterile container provided by a recovery technician from telaGen. No extra steps are required from the mother or the delivery team, so you can focus on enjoying your newborn baby, and knowing that you’ve contributed to the recovery of many future patients.
Why should I donate? Donation of the amnion not only benefits medical research, but is used to provide healing benefits to other patients in need. If not donated, the amnion is typically disposed of as medical waste and provides no further benefit.
What is the amniotic membrane? The amniotic membrane, also known as the “amnion” is the innermost layer of the placenta, which lines the amniotic cavity. Amniotic tissue includes the fluid and membranes inside the placenta. These tissues are responsible for developing and protecting your baby inside the womb. The membrane itself is made up of a special combination of tissue that makes amnion a unique membrane in the human body. The specific cellular structure of the membrane make a powerful healing tissue.
How is the amniotic membrane used? Amniotic membrane was first documented in the 1940’s for use in conjunctiva reconstruction and ocular reconstruction. Amniotic membrane is rich in collagen and various growth factors that support the healing process to both improve wound closure and reduce scar formation. Today, there are several therapies and procedures which rely on amniotic tissue donation for success in wound repair and wound healing. Amniotic membrane is primarily used in ophthalmic (eye) surgery, and to treat many ophthalmic indications/diseases, in over 45,000 cases annually. The success and popularity of the use in ophthalmology has spread to other fields such as dentistry and it is showing great promise in the areas of neurosurgery, orthopedics and general surgical wound healing.
Does birth tissue donation prevent me from donating my cord blood? Not at all. Donating your birth tissue will not affect your ability to donate your umbilical cord blood if you choose to do so.
Can any expectant mother donate? In order to donate, the expecting mother must be delivering through a planned Ceasarean (C-Section). As long as there are no medical conditions which would prevent the tissue donation, the mother can donate the tissue. telaGen will work with you and your doctor to ensure paperwork is completed in advance of your delivery.
What medical conditions would prevent me from donating? For the safety of patients receiving implants developed from your donated tissues, we screen for communicable infections, illnesses or diseases. Donations that may compromise the safety of the patient will not be recovered.
What additional blood tests are required? None. A little extra blood is simply taken during your admittance blood test. This means no extra needles, and no extra time is required. So you can focus on your delivery, and have no added stress or distraction on the day of your delivery.
Will I receive the results of my blood test? As required by law, if there are any confirmed positive results, they will be reported. All blood tests are kept confidential on file by telGen, and are available to your doctor upon request.
Does donation cost me anything? Not at all. Neither you nor your family will be responsible for any costs related to your gift of donation.
Can I be compensated for my donation? Federal laws prohibit compensation for your tissue donation, but you can take pleasure in knowing your gift of donation will provide healing to other patients in need of your charity.
Will I know how my placenta is used specifically? The same security obligations we have for you as a patient extend to the recipients of your donated tissue. Since we protect their confidentiality, we are not allowed to disclose specifically who receives your tissue and how your donation is being used.
I am interested in sharing the gift of healing; what do I do next? That is great news! First, please email or call us to determine if your doctor is currently participating in the tissue donation program.
I would like to speak to someone. Who do I contact? We would be happy to take your call and answer any questions you might have. You can reach us at 850 - 329 - 7569.