What is cord blood and what are the ways of cord blood storage? Cord blood is the blood that is removed from the placenta, when it is separated at childbirth. This blood is rich in stem cells that have the capacity to form new blood cells. Cord blood storage is the process of preserving this blood for future use. This blood can be used in the transplantation of blood for the treatment of fearsome diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia and thallasemia.
Cord Blood Storage And Preservation
The collection of cord blood takes place at childbirth. It is collected from the placenta either before or after it is separated from the mother. Then the cord blood is sent to a cord blood bank for preservation. However, before preserving it, the cord blood is screened for various diseases such as AIDS and other common genetic diseases. Finally, the red blood cells are separated out and the white blood cells are preserved in liquefied nitrogen at temperatures as low as 180 degrees. When the cord blood is required for a patient, it is defrosted and used for transplantation. The cord blood can remain in a cord blood bank for up to ten years.
The Benefits Of Cord Blood Storage
There is enough evidence of the benefits of cord blood storage. If you or some one in your family has a history of genetic illnesses, then you can use the stored cord blood to treat the patient. This blood is stored in a private or public cord blood bank. A private cord blood bank stores the blood at a specific fee and a public cord blood bank does not charge you anything to store it. The main advantage of storing your own cord blood is that you need not search for a donor when the time comes; you are your own donor. Though cord blood storage in a private cord blood bank can be a little expensive, it is well worth it. For more information visit pregnancy period.
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