Why Should You Bank Cord Blood for Your Family?

Much attention has been focused recently around the world in the role of stem cells in the potential treatment of disease. Banking Cord Blood stems cells provides a source of biological insurance for you or a family member in need of a stem cell transplant, your preserved cord blood stem cells can possibly be used to treat such diseases as, leukemia, thalassemia, sickle cell, etc.

Umbilical Cord Blood banking is particularly important for minority groups and families of multi-ethnic descent because of the extreme difficulty in finding a suitable match. Cord Blood Banking should also be a priority for families where a genetic link to the child in not present. Families who use an egg donor or sperm donor, as well as adoptive families should strongly consider cord blood banking for future use of genetically matched stem cells.

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 typically before the 32nd week. Consult your obstetrician regarding your decision. Once you have decided to collect your baby’s cord blood, register with LifeLine and a cord blood collection kit will be sent to your home.

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 with the placenta.

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