What Is Cord Blood Used For?

The blood found in the umbilical cord is full of stem cells. These cells have the ability to transform into other cells once transplanted, which results in the growth and development of healthier cells in the diseased body. Unfortunately, many parents have their child's cord blood discarded after birth because they are either not aware of the benefits of the blood, or cannot afford to have the blood stored for future use. However, cord blood can save lives; in a situation when a transplant may be required, the cord blood provides a perfect genetic match for the child.

After making the decison to have their child's cord blood stored, the parents must have it collected. This is done immediately following the cutting of the umbilical cord and just prior to the delivery of the placenta. A needle is inserted into the cord and the blood is drained into a bag. The process takes less than five minutes and causes no pain to the mother. When a transplant is needed, a needle is inserted into the patient, and the blood in transfused directly into the patient's bloodstream. The stem cells then begin mixing immediately with the patient's own blood cells and go to work; they begin rebuilding and regenerating the patient's own cells, which strengthens the patient's immune system, enabling him to fight the disease. In past transplants, a six-year-old was cured of a blood disorder, a 12-year-old was cured of sickle-cell anemia, and a 46-year-old was treated experimentally yet successfully for leaukemia. To date, over 12,000 people worldwide have been successfully treated with cord blood transplants.

There are three types of storage available for parents who have chosen to save their child's cord blood for future use. The first is called family banking, is available only to the family of the child, and cannot be used by anyone else without the permission of the family. The second is public donation banking. This is available for those who do not wish to store their child's cord blood for their own use, or who cannot afford to store it for themselves. When donating to a public bank, parents are making it available to help others who may be a tissue match. Lastly, there are free banking programs. These were created for use of the families of the child whose cord blood was collected, but whose family may not be able to afford to bank it. There are criteria the family must meet to qualify.

Family banking offers a sense of security to the family who has chosen to store their child's cord blood with that facility. They know that in the event their child or family member needs a transplant for a specific disease, the cord blood is available immediately. There is no risk of the child rejecting the transfusion, as there might be with a bone marrow transplant from a donor due to the genetic match, and there is a 25 percent chance the match will be perfect for a sibling, as well as a 50 percent chance that the match would be suitable for that sibling. Public banking programs do not accept donations from every mother, and an HIV test may be required. Also, when a transplant situation arises, the donor may be asked to fill out a medical history form to ensure the safety of the patient. There is no cost to donate, though, and it could save a stranger's life. The free banking programs have three basic criteria the family must meet to be eligible for the program. First, the child must need to be considered for a stem cell transplant. Second, there must be a sibling in the home who may also need a transplant in the future, due to a chronic or life threatening disease. Third, the parents must have the support of their doctor, stating that the condition exists.

While storing your child's cord blood can save her life from diseases such as leukemia, diabetes, heart disease, and brain tumors, there are many misconceptions that prevent parents from participating. The first is that many believe the odds are low that their child will ever need to use their cord blood to treat a disease. The fact of the matter is this: no one knows when a disease may strike, such as cancer. Odds have shown thus far that 1 in 400 children has used his cord blood, while 1 in 200 of the donors has had family members that have received transfusions. Researchers believe that, in the future, cord blood will effectively treat conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. Another misconception is that the collection of cord blood takes blood away from the infant. The fact is that collection does not take place until after the baby is safely delivered and the cord has been cut. It poses absolutely no threat to either child or mother.