Cord Blood Banking: An Investment in the Future
The moment your baby is born, you envision many dreams. Some parents choose to take precautions against potential health issues, one of which is cord blood banking.
What Is Cord Blood?
Cord blood is the blood remaining in the umbilical cord after birth. It is rich in stem cells that can be used to treat various diseases.Cleveland Clinic+2March of Dimes+2Duke Health+2
What Are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are primary cells capable of transforming into different cell types in the body. They can repair damaged tissues and are used in treating various diseases.
Advantages of Stem Cells in Cord Blood
Stem cells from cord blood are young and have not been exposed to external factors, making them advantageous for therapeutic use.
Purposes of Storing Cord Blood
Cord blood can be used to treat diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, anemia, and can also be a potential treatment source for family members.
Role of Stem Cells in Organ Regeneration
Stem cells hold promise in regenerating damaged organs, including the heart, liver, and nervous system.
Role of Stem Cells in Organ Production
Research continues on producing organs from stem cells in laboratory settings, offering hope for patients awaiting organ transplants.
How Is Cord Blood Collected?
Immediately after birth, the umbilical cord is cut, and the remaining blood is collected into special bags. This process is risk-free for both mother and baby and takes only a few minutes.scbb.com.sg+3Cleveland Clinic+3Home+3
How Is Cord Blood Stored?
Collected cord blood is processed in specialized laboratories and stored in liquid nitrogen tanks at -196°C, ensuring usability even years later.
What Is the Cost?
The cost of cord blood banking varies by laboratory but generally ranges between $1,500 and $2,500. Annual storage fees are approximately $90 to $100.WIRED+3Parents+3cordblood.com+3
How Long Can Cord Blood Be Stored?
In Turkey, the storage period for cord blood is generally projected to be 15 years, though this may vary depending on laboratory policies.
Future of Cord Blood Banking
Stem cell research is rapidly advancing. In the future, it's expected that stem cells derived from cord blood will be used to treat more diseases.
