Cord Blood: Ability to Save a Life
What is Cord Blood?
Cord blood is the remains of blood found in the umbilical cord at the time of
birth. It is extremely rich in stem cells, which are reported to aid in the
treatment of approximately 70
serious conditions, such as sickle cell
anemia, leukemia and other serious blood and immune disorders. Countless
life-saving surgeries have been credited to cord blood and scientists continue
to develop new possibilities for treating these life-threatening diseases. (source: Cord
Blood Registry)
How is cord blood collected?
Directly after birth, the umbilical cord is
clamped and then cut. Before discarding the umbilical cord, a second clamp is immediately positioned approximately eight to 10 inches from the first, and the section is carefully cut and a blood sample is collected. This process is short and painless. It takes less than five minutes and the mother feels no pain beyond the natural birth process.
Why the procedure is performed
Stem cells, which are found in cord blood, have the potential to cure some of the most common life-threatening diseases. Examining cord blood can also help evaluate the following in your newborn:
Special considerations
Cord blood banking is something that must be planned prior to birth. Before beginning the procedure, parents are responsible for choosing a cord blood bank. The blood is collected with proper tools provided by the chosen cord blood bank and then placed into either a specimen tube or a blood bag and delivered to the bank. Often, there are collection and annual maintenance fees. The rates vary among different banks.
Preparing for the future
Parents can save newborn stem cells for future family use or to help others. Banking your newborn's blood is especially encouraged if you have a child or close relative who has or previously had a condition that can be treated with the use of stem cells. Parents can prepare for possible future complications by banking their next child's cord blood.
For more information about cord blood and its ability to save a life, visit our health information library.
|
