Archive for February 2012

The Benefits of Cord Blood Banking

Stem cells are frequently being used for the replacement of abnormal or diseased cells. In recent times, stem cell transplants have become the standard of care for a number of fatal blood disorders such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, cerebral palsy, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and chronic granulomatous disease, to name but only a few. However, for a successful stem cell transplant, matching human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types are required. HLA types are inherited from parents to their offspring. Thanks to cord blood banking through which a good match can be achieved. A decade ago, researchers discovered that the umbilical cord supply similar kind of blood forming stem cells as a bone marrow donor, and thus umbilical cord blood began to be stored.

If a child needs stem cells transplant and families have not banked their child’s cord then it is very difficult to find compatible stem cells. There is a very low chance of survival of the child if stem cells transplants are done from unrelated donors. Many parents therefore opt for cod blood banking in order to save their child from the possibility of having serious illnesses during their developmental process.

Cord blood is collected after the delivery and with the help of a kit. Soon after the delivery, the umbilical cord is tied from both sides and cut. Thereafter, a small tube is entered into the umbilical vein from one side in order to collect the blood. Once the blood collection process is over, the blood is transferred into the bag and sent to the cord blood bank. If a child suffers from any blood related disorders and his or her stem cells are available in the bank then the disorder can be successfully treated. That is the reason why cord blood banking is getting huge attention among parents because they want their kids to live a happy and healthy life, always.