Much attention has been focused recently around the world in the role of stem cells in the potential treatment of disease conditions. In the future, it may be possible to use stem cells to rebuild or regenerate damaged or diseased tissues and organs. At present, stem cells are being used primarily to replace bone marrow depleted or destroyed by disease or chemotherapy. Certain diseases deplete the bone marrow. In other conditions, chemotherapy directed at cancers elsewhere in the body, destroy the bone marrow.

In these cases, bone marrow transplant can be a lifesaving measure. Unfortunately, the availability of suitable bone marrow donor is very limited. This is particularly true for some ethnic minorities. In addition, the risk of transmission of certain infectious diseases cannot be completely eliminated.

The Solution: Cord Blood Banking Blood obtained from the umbilical cord immediately after delivery contains valuable stem cells. Those cells if properly stored can be used many years later to treat the above mentioned conditions. Having stored cord blood can make the difference between life and death for the individual affected by any of these conditions.

The decision regarding cord blood storage needs to be made during pregnancy and the arrangements completed prior to delivery.

The process of obtaining the blood is simple, painless (to both mother and infant) and safe. The blood is obtained from the placenta after the baby has been born and the cord has been clamped. The blood is normally discarded along the placenta.

Current Cord Blood/Stem Cell Applications Cord blood stem cell therapy has already been used in the treatment of these diseases: