Monday, February 18, 2008

Cord Blood Registry- FAQs

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions on cord blood

What Is Cord Blood?

Cord blood is the blood that is collected from the placenta, when it is separated at child birth. This blood contains stem cells, which can be used in treating a number of hereditary and immune-system diseases. The blood can be stored in a cord blood registry or a cord blood bank.

What Is A Stem Cell?

Cord blood contains stem cells. These cells have the amazing capability to recreate themselves into new red and white blood cells and even brain and muscle cells. That is why they are immensely useful in treating diseases related to blood and immune system.

How Is Cord Blood Collected?

One way through which umbilical cord blood is collected is after the baby is born but before the delivery of the placenta. In the other method, it is collected after the placenta is delivered. Whichever way it may be collected, it is a painless and harmless procedure.

How Is Cord Blood Processed?

The cord blood must be collected and sent to a cord blood registry within forty eight hours. Here, the blood must be screened for any diseases or infections. Subsequently, the red blood cells are separated from the cord blood and the remaining cord blood is frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen.

What Is Cord Blood Banking?

Cord blood banking is the process of storing your cord blood in a bank for future use, either by you and your family member or some unrelated person (if you have donated your cord blood).

What Are Different Types Of Cord Blood banks?

There are two types of cord blood banks, private and public. Private cord blood registries are those that store your cord blood for use by you and your family members. A public cord blood bank is a bank where you donate your cord blood so that it can be used to treat any unrelated person or used for cord blood research. For more information visit pregnancy period.

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