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Overview
Cord blood banking is the process of preserving and storing the blood that remains in the umbilical cord immediately after a child is born. Parents can store this blood in private banks in case it is needed by the child in the future. They may also decide to donate cord blood to public banks for transplant use or for research purposes.
Significance
Umbilical cord blood is collected because of it is rich in stem cells. According to the National Institutes of Health, these cells serve as a sort of repair system for the body, having the ability to divide without limit to replenish other cells, as long as the person is alive.
Options
A new mother has the right to decide whether she wants to bank her child's cord blood. If she chooses not to, the umbilical cord will be discarded after childbirth. However if she decides to bank the child's blood, it will be collected from the umbilical cord using a syringe or a gravity bag after it has been clamped and cut. The blood will then be sent to a processing facility, usually by medical courier, where it will be analyzed, have a large portion of plasma and red blood cells removed and ultimately be frozen and stored.
Benefits
Cord blood stem cells are primarily used to treat blood diseases such as leukemia or sickle cell anemia. The stem cells obtained from cord blood will be a perfect match for a child if the need should ever arise. These cells may serve as a match for other family members as well. Although new parents may not want to think about the possibility of their child developing a serious illness, privately banking cord blood allows the security of having an additional treatment resource if the child needs it, at any point during her life.
Considerations
Research is still being conducted to determine future uses of stem cells from umbilical cord blood. There are hopes that it may be used to treat additional medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes or even neurological conditions such as strokes and autism. Stem cell research from cord blood is not to be confused with more controversial embryonic stem cell research. This method will safely allow scientists to learn more about treating many of the conditions that affect millions each day.
Future Possibilities
Research is still being conducted to determine future uses of stem cells from umbilical cord blood. There are hopes that it may be used to treat additional medical conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, or even neurological conditions such as strokes and autism. Stem cell research from cord blood is not to be confused with more controversial embryonic stem cell research. This method will safely allow scientists to learn more about treating many of the conditions that affect millions each day.
Financial Considerations
Prospective parents may want to consider whether they want to bank their child's cord blood before becoming pregnant or early in the pregnancy so that they can prepare financially for this process. Prices will vary depending on the facility at which the couple chooses to store the blood; average cost ranges between $1000 and $2000. The length of storage time included in this price depends upon the facility. Additional storage fees, if necessary, may be charged annually.
