Growing in Popularity, Cord Blood Banking is the Smart Way for Parents to Deposit for the Future

Transplanting stem cells with cord blood has been going on for a while, but it’s only recently that most people became aware of its importance to the point that they’d actively store a baby’s cord blood, today most commonly known as “cord blood banking.” As research in the cord blood and stem cell field has taken off in recent years, more and more uses are being discovered. Cord blood banking is more popular than at any other time, and will only continue rising in popularity.

Our bodies contain several types of blood cells. Our white cells fight infection and work to keep us well. Red cells deliver oxygen to our brains and other organs -- another important function. We also have cells that are common to each organ. Only one type of cell, known as the stem cell, can generate each of these different types. Although there are other ways to harvest stem cells, cord blood is proving to be the best source. For that reason cord blood banking has come into its own. Parents that think ahead choose it as one way of saving for their child’s future.

There are private cord blood banking facilities that charge for their services such as Los Angeles-based Family Cord Blood Services.  Before the baby is born, parents arrange with the doctor, midwife, or other personnel who will deliver the newborn to extract the cord blood using a special kit. It is then rushed to the bank where it is tested, treated, and then frozen. The blood is reserved for the donor and his or her family. That way if the child becomes deathly ill with a blood compromising disease, the cord blood is always ready for stem cell transplantation. The chances of other family members benefiting are also good, thanks to genetic similarities.

Public cord blood banking centers take donations and store them free of charge. The blood is listed on a public registry and anyone may be eligible depending on their need and blood type.

Originally used for leukemia, sickle cell anemia, and a host of other diseases and disorders, cord blood banking stands to benefit a host of other patients. Researchers in this field are making new discoveries all the time as to ways to heal people with stem cell transplants using cord blood. Thus, the future for people suffering a number of ailments from diabetes to diseased livers looks more promising than ever before.

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Cord Blood,   Cord Blood Bank,   Cord Blood Banking,   Cord Blood Storage
Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells