Cord blood banking
Your baby's umbilical cord is
made up of what's called "cord blood" and "cord tissue."
The umbilical cord tissue and the blood it contains contain a rich source of
stem cells that help repair and heal the body.
What is a cord blood and cord tissue banking?
After the baby is born, stem
cells from the blood and cord tissue can be collected and stored for possible
future use. This process is known as banking.
Why should I store my child's cord blood and cord tissue stem cells?
When you decide to save your
baby's cord blood and cord tissue, you are planning for your family's future
health.
Cord blood stem cells have the
ability to restore a healthy immune system damaged by disease. They have been
used in transplant medicine for almost 30 years and can be used to treat nearly
80 different diseases, including some types of cancer, genetic diseases, and
blood disorders. Even more exciting is that the use of cord blood has expanded
over the past few years, and it is now being used in clinical trials for autism
and cerebral palsy.
Your baby's cord blood has
incredible potential, as does its cord tissue. Like cord blood, cord tissue
also contains stem cells, which are slightly different. Cord tissue stem cells
have the unique ability to divide, regenerate and differentiate into a wide
variety of other cell types. Researchers see great potential in cord stem cell
therapy for conditions that affect cartilage, muscles and nerves such as
Parkinson's disease, sports injuries and type 1 diabetes.
Who can use them?
Depending on the condition
being treated, cord blood stem cells may be used for the child they were taken
from, or for a sibling. We recently saw many children use their cord blood in
clinical trials in a new field known as regenerative medicine to treat
conditions such as autism and cerebral palsy. It is estimated that one in three
people will benefit from regenerative medicine in their lifetime.
Although there is currently no
treatment using umbilical cord stem cells, the potential is growing. Since
2007, 150 clinical trials have been conducted using umbilical cord stem cells.
Researchers are using stem cells from umbilical cord tissue in potential
treatments such as Alzheimer's disease, liver fibrosis and lung cancer. It is
also highly likely that a member of the immediate biological family could
benefit from stem cells from the baby's umbilical tissue.
How are they collected?
Whether you're having a
caesarean section or a vaginal birth, the collection process won't disturb you
or your baby. Because the stem cells are collected after the cord is cut, there
is absolutely no discomfort or danger for your baby, making the process
completely safe. Even if you choose delayed cord tightening, you will still be
able to collect.
Collection process
- Cord Blood:
After the baby is born, your healthcare provider will clamp and cut the cord.
After thoroughly cleaning the umbilical cord, the needle will be used to
collect blood from the umbilical cord and place it in a collection bag.
- Cord tissue:
After blood has been removed from the umbilical cord, your doctor will cut out
a segment of tissue, clean it thoroughly, and place it in a collection cup.
What happens after collection?
After collection is complete,
the stem cells from your baby's cord blood and cord tissue will be taken to a
laboratory for processing and storage.
How much does a cord blood and cord tissue bank cost?
Generally, there are two fees
for storing cord blood and cord tissue. First, the initial fee, which covers
registration, collection and storage for the first year. Second, the annual
storage fee. The initial fee for some cord blood banks may vary depending on
the length of storage. Many cord blood banks offer prepaid and payment plans.
What happens if I decide to donate my child's cord blood and cord tissue stem cells?
Donating your child's cord blood and cord tissue stem cells can make a difference in the lives of another family in need. From cord blood foundations to non-profit organizations to medical institutions, there are many places that will collect, process and use stem cells from your child's cord blood and cord tissue to treat others. As with any other donation, it's free.