Know the Facts About Cord Blood

Stem cells, which can develop into almost any human cell, are abundant in umbilical cord blood. It means that cord blood stem cells may be used for the treatment of certain diseases, but their application depends on factors such as compatibility, condition, and medical approval.

Cord blood storage is a way to preserve potentially life-saving cells that are normally discarded after birth. If you are expecting a new baby and want to learn more about how storing the umbilical cord blood might help protect your child's health in the future, below are some cord blood facts you need to know.

Important Facts About Cord Blood

For many expectant parents, learning about cord blood stem cells, and banking is new. To make an informed decision for umbilical cord collection, consider the following facts about cord blood:

• Preserving Your Child's Cord Blood Stem Cells Is Risk-Free and Painless

Cord blood banking, or preserving your child's cord blood stem cells, is a risk-free procedure that does not hurt either the mother or the child. The umbilical cord separates easily from the placenta's wall after delivery.

• Cord Blood Stem Cells Have a Proven Track Record of Success

Another important fact about umbilical cord blood is that for the past few years, numerous medical professionals have been treating patients with umbilical cord blood stem cells.

Cord blood stem cells have been approved for treating over 85 conditions, mainly haematological disorders like leukaemia, Fanconi anaemia, and sickle cell disease. However, their use for many other conditions remains under clinical research.

• Even with Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping, you can still Bank your Baby's Cord Blood

In the case of full-term and preterm infants, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists now advises delaying the clamping of the umbilical cord for at least 30 to 60 seconds after birth. The placenta and umbilical cord contain about 200 millilitres (mL) of blood. The baby may receive 80–100 mL of blood from a delayed clamping, which is enough for storage and cord blood uses.

• Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells are more Likely to Match

To determine whether donor and recipient stem cells are compatible, an HLA matching test is conducted. Only 4 of the 6 HLA markers need to match because umbilical cord stem cells are "young cells" that are less likely to be rejected by the host's immune system. Compared to alternative stem cell types, it is one of the main benefits of using umbilical cord blood.

• Stem Cells of Your Child Are Extremely Valuable to Child

Umbilical cord blood stem cells are autologously matched to the child from whom they came. Compared to donor-derived stem cells, a child's own cord blood stem cells (autologous transplant) do not cause immune rejection. However, autologous transplants are not always effective for genetic diseases. Because of this, the stem cells from your child's cord blood are especially valuable.

• Umbilical Cord Blood is an Extremely Diverse Source of Stem Cells

Umbilical cord blood contains a wide range of stem cells, including Haematological Stem Cells (HSCs), Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), Very Small Embryonic-Like Stem Cells (VSELs), Unrestricted Somatic Stem Cells (USSCs), Endothelial-Colony Forming Cells (ECFCs), Neuronal Progenitor Cells, and Multilineage Progenitor Cells (ML-PCs).

Save your Baby’s Cord Blood for the Future of your Loved Ones!

Umbilical cord blood is a lifeline with amazing potential that goes beyond its use in the field of medicine. Every drop of cord blood has the potential to change lives, whether you are donating it for the benefit of others or to preserve it for your family. Umbilical cord blood Banking with Cryoviva provides access to world-class storage facilities and processing. You can rest easy knowing you have made a decision that will benefit everyone in your family for years to come.