Not everyone will know what cord blood banking is about, and what it can be used for. The purpose of this article is to provide you with some simple facts. The first fact is that this is the blood from a baby's umbilical cord once the cord has been cut. It provides a one off opportunity to harvest stem cells that have proven beneficial in treating some type of medical conditions.
It is a decision that has to be made by the parents before the actual birth. If they approve harvesting of the blood, the procedure has to be carried out immediately the umbilical cord is cut. The blood can then be stored for future use. If parents decide not to harvest the blood, then the umbilical cord and its content are destroyed in an ethical manner.
The procedure is quick and painless and does not affect either the mother or the baby. The umbilical cord is cut and a collection bag is used to drain the vital liquid from the cord. It can be collected safely following all types of birthing methods.
After collection of the healthy stem cells, the package is immediately sent to a CBRs laboratory. The vital liquid supply goes through a process which freezes it and makes it ready for storage. The frozen vital liquid is then stored in cryogenic storage tanks and remains viable for long term preservation until they are required.
Cancer patients can be treated using these types of stem cells. These cells have been proven to help the patients immune system to produce healthy cells. Stems cells are increasingly being used in the treatment of brain injuries and childhood diabetes and a great many other diseases with a degree of success. Further information on the types of conditions that have responded positively to this type of treatment can be obtained from medical professionals.
There are many misconceptions about the use of these stem cells, so it is always best to do some research before your baby is born. Discuss your options with your medical professionals and read carefully all the information they can provide you with. If you go on the internet to carry out some research on your own, be careful to use only reputable and professional information sources.
This type of stem cell research is an ongoing and developing area. On a daily basis, new information and links to treatments for life threatening diseases are being explored. Although stem cell research has been going on for years, it appears to be attracting more attention today than ever before.
Religion, culture and money are the main reasons why many people do not sign up for cord blood banking. Ignorance and lack of awareness about the procedure and the potential benefits comes a close second. Medical professionals need to be much more open about the ethical standards and raise public awareness about the purpose of this banking.
It is a decision that has to be made by the parents before the actual birth. If they approve harvesting of the blood, the procedure has to be carried out immediately the umbilical cord is cut. The blood can then be stored for future use. If parents decide not to harvest the blood, then the umbilical cord and its content are destroyed in an ethical manner.
The procedure is quick and painless and does not affect either the mother or the baby. The umbilical cord is cut and a collection bag is used to drain the vital liquid from the cord. It can be collected safely following all types of birthing methods.
After collection of the healthy stem cells, the package is immediately sent to a CBRs laboratory. The vital liquid supply goes through a process which freezes it and makes it ready for storage. The frozen vital liquid is then stored in cryogenic storage tanks and remains viable for long term preservation until they are required.
Cancer patients can be treated using these types of stem cells. These cells have been proven to help the patients immune system to produce healthy cells. Stems cells are increasingly being used in the treatment of brain injuries and childhood diabetes and a great many other diseases with a degree of success. Further information on the types of conditions that have responded positively to this type of treatment can be obtained from medical professionals.
There are many misconceptions about the use of these stem cells, so it is always best to do some research before your baby is born. Discuss your options with your medical professionals and read carefully all the information they can provide you with. If you go on the internet to carry out some research on your own, be careful to use only reputable and professional information sources.
This type of stem cell research is an ongoing and developing area. On a daily basis, new information and links to treatments for life threatening diseases are being explored. Although stem cell research has been going on for years, it appears to be attracting more attention today than ever before.
Religion, culture and money are the main reasons why many people do not sign up for cord blood banking. Ignorance and lack of awareness about the procedure and the potential benefits comes a close second. Medical professionals need to be much more open about the ethical standards and raise public awareness about the purpose of this banking.
About the Author:
Located at Toronto General Hospital, we are a Cord blood clinic experienced in Cord blood banking Canada and cord blood banking.