Advancing Newborn Health Through Science, Empathy, and Innovation: How ViaCord Is Shaping the Future of Family Genetic Wellness

For more than 30 years, ViaCord has supported families with high-quality cord blood and cord tissue banking services. Over the decades, the company has continually evolved—expanding its offerings, strengthening scientific capabilities, and embracing forward-looking innovations that help families make more informed health decisions. Today, as part of Revvity, ViaCord continues to pioneer advancements in newborn stem cell preservation and genomic services, giving families meaningful tools to support long-term health.

“At ViaCord, whether it’s a ViaCord advisor shipping out a collection kit or a laboratory technician processing a sample, we never lose sight of the scientific and customer service responsibility we hold.” says Robert Gendron, VP and General Manager.

This philosophy underscores ViaCord’s mission: to combine scientific excellence with a deeply human approach grounded in empathy.

Supporting Families Through Critical Moments

Families often turn to ViaCord during some of life’s most emotional and unpredictable moments—from last-minute birth planning decisions to navigating unexpected medical diagnoses. ViaCord’s extensive experience allows it to support parents through a wide spectrum of needs, ensuring they receive clarity, reassurance, and actionable information throughout the process.

The impact of cord blood banking becomes especially clear in moments of medical crisis. One profound example is the story of Rosalia, a young girl diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia shortly after birth. Although she initially responded to treatment, her cancer later returned. Her family had banked her younger sister Holly’s cord blood with ViaCord—a decision that ultimately changed her life. Holly’s stem cells proved to be a perfect match, enabling a life-saving transplant that has contributed to Rosalia’s continued remission. Her story illustrates the powerful, unexpected ways in which newborn stem cells can offer hope when families need it most.
Today, cord blood stem cells are used to help treat nearly 80 conditions, including cancers, blood disorders, immunodeficiencies, and certain metabolic diseases. While many are inherited genetic conditions requiring donor or sibling cells, medical teams continue to explore new applications, including regenerative therapies. The field is evolving rapidly, and ViaCord ensures families remain connected to that progress through transparent communication and scientific leadership.

Expanding Possibilities Through Genomic Innovation

In addition to stem cell preservation, ViaCord offers a suite of genomic services to give families early, actionable health insights. These genomic services are performed by Revvity Omics, ViaCord’s sister company—providing families with the convenience of a unified ecosystem, strict data privacy, advanced sequencing capabilities, and trusted laboratory expertise.

ViaCord’s Genetic Insights Panel analyzes over 290 genes associated with childhood-onset conditions, helping families identify potential risks long before symptoms appear. For parents seeking the most comprehensive view, Newborn Whole Genome Sequencing reports on approximately 2,500 genes, offering a broad and forward-looking perspective into potential hereditary conditions and future health considerations.

To further support families, all genomic services include complimentary genetic counseling sessions. These sessions help parents interpret results, understand medical implications, and navigate next steps with the guidance of certified experts.

Additionally, DNA Guardian allows parents to preserve a small, pristine DNA sample from their newborn’s cord blood for potential genomic testing in the future—giving families flexibility if they are not ready to pursue testing at birth. Meanwhile, Newborn Digestive Health Screening offers early insights into predisposition to celiac disease and lactose intolerance, helping parents make informed decisions about dietary introduction and care planning as their child grows.

Together, ViaCord’s genomic offerings represent a meaningful step forward in precision health—empowering families with the knowledge to plan proactively and confidently.

A Holistic Approach Rooted in Care
ViaCord’s dedication to families goes beyond traditional banking and testing services. Through the Sibling Connection Program, the company provides free collection, processing, and storage of cord blood for families who have a child diagnosed with a condition that may be treatable through a sibling transplant. More than 10,000 families have participated in this program—demonstrating ViaCord’s longstanding commitment to accessibility and compassionate support.

Across every offering, ViaCord emphasizes rigorous quality control, scientific excellence, and a personalized customer experience. From clinical partnerships to laboratory protocols, every step of the process is designed to ensure families receive dependable care and trusted results.

Looking Ahead: Empowering Families for a Lifetime

As the landscape of genomic science expands, families have more opportunities than ever to take a proactive approach to health. ViaCord is committed to helping parents navigate these opportunities with clarity, confidence, and compassion.

Emerging research continues to push boundaries in regenerative medicine, gene-based therapies, and precision medicine. With Revvity’s global scientific network behind it, ViaCord is uniquely positioned to accelerate innovation while maintaining the deeply personal, service-oriented experience families rely on.

Gendron emphasizes that the company’s vision for the future is both ambitious and grounded:

ViaCord’s enduring mission is to empower families with tools that help safeguard their child’s wellbeing today, tomorrow, and for years to come. Through trusted stem cell banking, comprehensive genomic insights, and a steadfast commitment to care, the company continues to lead the way in shaping the future of newborn health.

Disclaimer Note (1): Banking cord blood does not guarantee that treatment will work, and only a doctor can determine when it can be used. This is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used or interpreted as information on treatments or diagnoses.

Disclaimer Note (2): Revvity Omics Testing Services: Whole Genome Sequencing (Adults), Whole Genome Sequencing (Newborns), and Genetic Insights Panel testing services are provided by Revvity Omics. This testing service has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Testing services may not be licensed in accordance with the laws in all countries. The availability of specific test offerings is dependent upon laboratory location. The content on this page is provided for informational purposes only, not as medical advice. It is not intended to substitute the consultation, diagnosis, and/or treatment provided by a qualified licensed physician or other medical professionals.