What You Need to Know About Cord Blood Storage
Cord blood is taken from the umbilical cord of a newborn baby shortly after its birth. People usually get confused with cord blood and embryonic stem cells. Since the umbilical cord consists of extra blood after the cut, this confusion arises. But one must remember that embryonic stem cells emerge from the embryo, whereas the cord blood cell has its origin in the umbilical cord.
Benefits of Storing Cord Blood
After a baby takes birth, it does not require the need for this blood. But researchers do not feel the need to discard it due to the proponents of cord blood storage. Rather doctors are using cord blood cells to treat various illnesses and disorders, including anemia, leukemia, lymphoma, neurological disorders, and other immune system disorders.
The life-saving stem cells can be transplanted into individuals to regenerate and regain healthy cells. Researchers are also helping patients with life-threatening conditions like diabetes and Parkinson’s disease with treatment, including cord blood cells.
How the Process Works
The concept of cord blood storage is gaining popularity. Today doctors are informing their pregnant patients about procedures. But deciding whether to store is only at the parent’s discretion. You can also donate cord blood at a nominal or negligible cost.
After the baby is delivered, the doctor uses a needle to draw out the blood from the umbilical cord vein. Later it is collected and sent to the blood bank via courier. As it reaches the cord blood bank, the professional technicians process the blood and provide an identifying number. Later they are frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored cryogenically. It works as a hope that some days in the future, one can benefit from the cord blood cell that you store today.
Banking Options
You may find an option to store your child’s cord blood cells. The public Bank helps collect the donated stem cells and use them for research methods. As well as one can also use it when they are in dire need. The other option available is storing the stem cells in a private cord blood bank.
Usually, you will not be charged if you want to bank your baby’s cord blood in any private bank. But the birthing Centre or the doctor may charge a nominal fee for the collection. As any couple opts for this route, the cord blood is collected and marked anonymously, which can benefit another child in the future. The best part is you can find a suitable cord blood storage facility near you. Just search with “affordable cord blood bank $19.99/month”.
Banking your baby’s cord blood stem cells is extremely your personal decision. You need to inform your doctor or the birthing center at the earliest so that they can provide you with the appropriate collection materials. As long as you know all the facts and plan in advance, you can make the right decision before entering the delivery room.