Collection of Cord Blood – Frequently Asked Questions
Modern scientists and physiologists have found out that cord blood is practically a windfall for the human race. It contains highly beneficial stem cells, which are practically the building blocks of life. The special-feature of these stem cells to replicate themselves makes them highly handy for the human race. They possess the potential to change themselves to all of the organs and tissues of our body. Practically, this means that the stem cells can change themselves into heart cells, muscle cells, nerve cells, or bone cells. Hence, the same will be highly beneficial in treating various human diseases such as cancer, etc. By storing the umbilical cord blood, one will be able to use it later, whenever one needs it for medical treatments, even for curing deadly diseases like cancer. That said, one must store the same in the best cord blood banks.
Collection of Cord Blood – Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Benefits of Umbilical Cord Blood?
Umbilical cord blood is the blood taken from the placenta and the umbilical cord of the baby. This blood contains a high quantity of stem cells, and these stem cells, because of the intrinsic capacity to replicate, have high medicinal value. Doctors use this blood to treat various kinds of diseases, such as leukemia, Myelodysplastic syndromes, lymphoma, bone marrow transplantation, etc. However, one must store the cord blood in the professionally run best cord blood banks. You can find such specialized cord blood banks by searching through Google.
Who are the Beneficiaries?
• Anyone who wants to have the most modern medical treatment to cure their deadly diseases is sure to get benefits. Deadly diseases are common in our time, and hence, it is wise for everyone to save stem cells for future use if a need arises.
• People who show a considerably high tendency to diseases such as immunodeficiency diseases, blood disorders, cancers, etc., and their close relatives
• Couples who have sterility problems can use it for transplantation.
• People who plan to adopt a child who is still in the mother’s uterus because the child will become parent-less.
• Children who have a mixed ethnic background because of a very limited chance of getting a matching HLA tissue (Human Leukocyte Antigen) sample.
• People who belong to a minor ethnic group, as it will be difficult to find matching HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigens).
Whether there is any risk to the baby?
The process is simple, safe, and will not affect the delivery process of the mother. That said, the process is painless for the baby and mother. However, you must consult your doctor and do as per the guidance and instruction.
If the delivery is cesarean, will the cord blood beneficial?
By all means, it is. As far as cord blood collection is concerned, cesarean delivery is the same as vaginal delivery. Here, one must use the FDA approved sterile blood collection bag.
What about Twins?
If it is twins, it is always good to store each baby’s sample separately. Here, you will get two HLA (identical human leukocyte antigen) if it is identical twins and two different HLA –typed samples if they are non-identical twins.
Which to Choose – Public or Private Cord Blood Bank?
If you have a plan to donate your baby’s cord blood to society, a public bank is your choice. However, for this, there are some requirements, which include your health. On the contrary, if you wish to use the same for your family, a private bank must be your choice. However, choose well equipped best cord blood banks for storing your baby’s cord blood.
• It is always advisable to store the cord blood in a bank which is nearer to you. Medically, one has to do the storing at the earliest to keep the potency of the stem cells intact. However, there is one main factor that one must ensure. The bank in which one store the cord blood must be one of the best cord blood banks; the storing facilities must be modern and most adequate.
Remember, the storage of cord blood is an intricate matter. Only when the storage is perfect, the cord blood will yield the desired results. Hence, it is of prime significance that one should store the same in the best cord blood banks available.