When a child is born, the cord blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta is rich in stem cells. These cells can be used to treat diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, and sickle cell anemia. Parents are often encouraged to save their child’s cord blood in a cord blood bank, but not many know how to go about doing it.

What is Cord Blood?

Cord banking is a process in which the blood from the umbilical cord and placenta is collected and stored in a special bank for future use. The cord blood can be used later if the child or a family member develops one of the aforementioned diseases. Cord blood contains stem cells, which are the building blocks of the blood and immune system. Cord blood stem cells can be used to regenerate the blood and immune system.

This process is similar to giving a blood transfusion. The major difference is that the cord blood stem cells are not taken from the bone marrow, but from the blood in the umbilical cord and placenta.

Cord blood banking is a relatively new concept. It was first introduced in 1987. However, it is still not widely known or used. Only about 5% of people who are eligible to bank cord blood do so.

Cord Blood Banking Process

The cord banking process is simple. After the baby is born, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. A small amount of blood is drawn from the cord and sent to a cord blood bank for processing and storage. The blood is then returned to the baby. This entire process takes place within minutes and does not interfere with the birth.

Cord blood storage at a public bank is free, but the blood is available to anyone who needs it. The decision to store your child’s cord blood should be made after consulting with your doctor and other health care professionals.

Cord Blood Storage

Cord blood can be stored in two ways: private cord blood banks or public cord blood banks. Private cord blood banks are run by for-profit companies and store the cord blood for the exclusive use of the child and his or her family. Public cord blood banks are run by nonprofit organizations and store cord blood for use by the general public.

Storing the cord blood can be expensive, costing up to $2,000 upfront and $100 per year for storage. Some cord blood banks offer discounts or payment plans, so be sure to ask about them. There are some affordable cord blood banks for $19.99/month that you can try.

Cord Blood Uses

Cord banking is a newish procedure with a lot of potential uses. The most common use for cord blood is to treat blood disorders such as leukemia and lymphoma. Cord blood can also be used to treat immune system disorders, genetic disorders, and even some neurological disorders.

Cord blood stem cells are being studied for their ability to regenerate tissue in the heart, liver, and pancreas. These studies are still in the early stages, but Cord blood stem cells have already been used to treat heart disease and diabetes in animal trials. Cord blood stem cells are also being studied for their ability to treat Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injuries.

Cord blood stem cells are a versatile treatment option because they can be used to treat a wide variety of diseases. Cord blood banking is a newish procedure, but it has a lot of potential uses. Cord blood stem cells are a valuable resource that can be used to treat many different diseases. Cord blood banking is a way to ensure that these cells are available when they are needed.

Cord blood stem cells are a versatile treatment option because they can be used to treat a wide variety of diseases.

Conclusion

Cord blood banking is a valuable resource that can be used to treat many different diseases. Parents should consult with their doctor and other healthcare professionals to see if cord blood banking is the right decision for them. This guide has provided you with tips to save cord blood during the birth of your child.