What is cord blood and why is there so much of talk about it? Cord blood is human blood from the placenta which is collected after it has been separated from the new born infant. Till only a few years ago the placenta was discarded because it was considered a waste product. Now however, we know that the placenta contains blood forming stem cells, which can be used to cure many blood related diseases.
What Is A Stem Cell
Stem cells are cells that can replicate any kind of blood cells. These cells can be stored and then used by the same donor, a relative or even an unrelated person.
Two Methods To Collect Stem Cells
In the first method the umbilical cord blood is collected after the baby is born and before the delivery of the placenta. In the second method the blood is collected after the placenta has been removed from the womb after childbirth. This blood needs to be processed within forty eight hours. The blood is preserved after removing the red cells.
Cord Blood Banking
Cord blood can be stored in banks for future use. Private cord blood banking is where cord blood is stored for the use of your child, you, or your immediate family. While on the other hand, a public cord blood bank stores blood for use of even unrelated persons. While storing your cord blood in a public bank is free, it can be a little expensive to store it in a private bank. And the blood can be stored in this way for up to ten years!
The Importance Of Cord Blood
Cord blood research began in the1970s when it was found that umbilical cord blood could supply the same kinds of blood forming stem cells as a bone marrow donor. It was found that cord blood could be used to treat diseases such as thallasemia, leukemia, anemia and immune deficiency. Therefore, if you have a family history of blood diseases or immune diseases then you must opt for cord blood storage. For more information visit pregnancy period.
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