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What is Umbilical Cord Blood?

Definition and Sources

Umbilical cord blood is the blood contained within the umbilical cord and placenta. It is rich in stem cells, which have the potential to develop into various cell types and tissues.

Public Cord Blood Banking

Public cord blood banking involves collecting and storing umbilical cord blood for use in transplantation or immune therapies. It is recommended for individuals who do not have a compatible family donor.

Private Cord Blood Banking

Private cord blood banking is an option for parents who wish to preserve the umbilical cord blood and placenta of their baby. This can provide insurance against future medical conditions that may benefit from stem cell therapy.

Benefits of Umbilical Cord Blood

Cord blood banking allows for the preservation of potentially life-saving stem cells. These stem cells have shown promise in treating various diseases and conditions, including leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia, and immune disorders.

Collection and Storage

The collection of umbilical cord blood is a simple and painless procedure performed after the baby's birth. The blood is then processed and stored in cryopreservation facilities for future use.