A Basic Overview Of Cord Blood Banking

A substance called cord blood might prove beneficial to an infant’s future well-being. Fortunately, this substance can be stored in a process known as cord banking. https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en

Cord Blood

This substance is the blood contained inside a newborn baby’s umbilical cord and placenta. This systemic fluid is comprised of unique cells known in medical terms as hematopoietic stem cells. Stem cells possess the special ability to replicate other blood cells and, in recent years, scientific researchers have found that these biological structures might prove beneficial in treating or eradicating several potentially serious or even fatal illnesses. https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en

Cord Blood Banking

Parents of newborn infants often decide to store their newborn’s cord blood and associated stem cells through a process called cord blood banking.

The Banking Process

A baby’s cord blood is stored in accordance with a specific process. The first step necessitates immediate storage of the infant’s umbilical cord. Then, stem cells are extracted from the cord blood. Finally, the stem cells are then submitted to a laboratory where said structures are housed for future usage.

Before choosing a company that performs the banking process, parents are encouraged to mull over certain considerations such as the specific services said entity offers, the establishment’s success rate in preserving stem cells and the cost. It must be stressed that cord blood banking can be an expensive endeavor and those with limited financial resources might wish to opt to work with institutions that offer acceptable and fair payment plans.

Can Stem Cells Be Created Another Way?

Unfortunately, the only chance someone has to obtain their body’s stem cells is at birth. Said cells cannot be extracted at nay other time. Ergo, time is of the essence following a newborn’s arrival and a decision must be reached as soon as possible.

Potential Benefits

In recent years, scientific researchers have concluded that stem cells have proven effective as treatment for numerous autoimmune diseases, blood disorders and even certain kinds of cancer such as leukemia. Moreover, research is ongoing regarding said biological structures usage as therapeutic protocols for other major illnesses. Ergo, by the time a newborn comes of age, their preserved stem cells might be a viable remedial option for many more serious or potentially fatal maladies.

Possible Disadvantages

Despite the potential for promising future health outcomes, cord blood banking does possess its drawbacks. Arguably, the most significant detriment is said procedure’s cost. Private storage banks charge at least several thousand to complete the process. Additionally, said facilities will likely charge an annual storage fee which can add up over a period of decades.