Umbilical cord blood used to treat different diseases, though not all, and there are many studies ongoing.
Umbilical cord blood banking usually refers to the collection and preservation of the stem cells extracted from an umbilical cord post the delivery of a baby. The blood includes the stem cells which help in the generation of new blood cells. These stem cells are actually useful of treating certain life-taking diseases Leukemia, Aplastic Anaemia, Autism, Type I Diabetes, Cerebral Palsy, Immunodeficiency and other cell related disease.
Features of Cord Blood Cells
The Cord Blood cells’ are as follows:
\tIt is a wealthy source of stem cells
The cord blood is supposed to hold ten times more stem cells as compared to those found in bone marrow.
\tDevelopmental source
As stem cells in the cord blood are comparatively younger than bone marrow stem cells thus they have the increasing potential to regenerate the cord blood cells.
\tPain involved
Extracting cord blood from the umbilical cord is a quick and painless method. However, make sure that the whole process is complete in no less than 10 minutes post delivery.
Steps involved in banking cord blood
The banking process of the cord blood is:
\tAfter the delivery procedure is complete, the umbilical cord is at first clamped and removed in a usual manner. It is suggested not to delay in removing the umbilical cord as delayed removal will have a negative effect on the cells and its capabilities.
\tThe medical professional pierce the umbilical cord with a needle. The blood is then extracted and collected into a bag. The quantity usually does not exceed 1-5 ounces.
\tThe process ends with the shipping of blood to cord blood bank. As soon as it reaches the destination it is examined and cryo-preserved for future use.
Why is cord blood banking essential?
New stem cells can start generating new cells or can repair the affected cells as well. Umbilical cord once treated as a discarded part after delivery is now clinically proven to cover all the flaws and complexities related to Bone Marrow transplantation.
Earlier, the usage of umbilical cord blood has been limited to treat conditions like marrow failure, immunodeficiency, and hematopoietic malignancies. However, a recent study shows that the capability of cord blood is much more beyond and powerful.
Profit of umbilical cord blood banking
The cord blood banking has a number of advantages. It is known that stem cells are “the building blocks of the blood and immune system”. The trend of umbilical cord blood banking or cord blood banking is increasingly becoming a trend. It is a kind of insurance to secure the future of a child.
Private vs Public Cord Blood Banking Sector
There are many private institutes that are appealing modern day’s parents to the idea of cord blood banking of their children. These specific institutes may be ‘private-for-profit’ organizations or public banks.
\tPros of Private Sector
o\tThe stem cells preserved can be used by the respective person only and only with their consent it can be given to anyone else.
o\tThe chances of rejection of genetically related stem cells are very less. Therefore, preserving it will make sure that you do not have to look for any other donor.
o\tThe rate of success is higher in case of identical transplants.
\tCons of Private Sector
o\tThey charge a fee for the storage as well as the collection
\tPros of Public Sector
o\tAll the procedure from storage to collection comes at free of cost
o\tStem cells are always available.
o\tThey make it happen for people who are in need of stem cell transplantation to create a match and save a life.
\tCons of Public Sector
o\tOnce given to the bank there is no specific owner of the stem blood cells.
o\tPublic banks do not generally bear the transportation cost. Thus, if it is not covered by the insurance policy it may become very cost-effective.
